TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Newcastle United are still keen on AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, but Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are also circling.
The Magpies were heavily linked with Thiaw last summer, but nothing came of the speculation and the Germany international stayed put at the San Siro.
With three of Newcastle’s main centre-backs over 30 years of age, the club is now looking at long-term options in the centre of defence.
TBR Football can also confirm what Thiaw thinks about a potential summer move away from Milan amid interest from the Premier League.
Malick Thiaw not unhappy at AC Milan but much depends on who the coach will be next season
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Newcastle are still very much keen on Thiaw ahead of the summer transfer window.
Tottenham also like the 23-year-old, as do West Ham, with both London clubs keen on strengthening their ranks after struggling in the league this term.
Premier League clubs like Thiaw a lot, but he’s getting a lot of game time at present and is not unhappy at Milan.
Whoever is coach at Milan next season is key for Thiaw’s future – Sergio Conceicao has had a difficult season, with the club currently ninth in the Serie A table.
TBR Football sources also understand that, as far as Milan defenders go, Fikayo Tomori is more likely to go this summer than Thiaw.
What Malick Thiaw could bring to the Premier League
Thiaw has enjoyed a rise to prominance at the highest levels of European football over the past few years.
In 2023, BILD deemed Thiaw one of the ‘greatest talents in Europe’ and, at just 23 years of age, he already has 83 Milan appearances to his name, plus three Germany caps.
The AC Milan website noted how Thiaw has been compared to Sergio Ramos and Joel Matip, two of the greatest defenders of their respective eras.
As per Sempremilan, Thiaw’s one-on-one ability is good, while his ‘ball reading and tactical understanding is of the highest quality’.
In addition, his height and physicality make him good in aerial duels, he’s ‘deceptively quick’, proactive in terms of pressing, and a decent passer.