Newcastle re-open transfer talks with Milan after Tonali DISASTER

27 Jun 2024 20:00 BST
3 min read

Newcastle are seemingly undeterred by the controversy surrounding Sandro Tonali’s transfer from Milan last summer after opening talks with the Italian side for another one of their young stars.

Tonali became Newcastle’s second-biggest signing ever last year when he joined the Magpies from Milan for €64 million but the transfer quickly turned into a disaster after the Italian received a nine-month suspension for violating betting laws.

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There had been some suggestions that Milan were aware of the controversy surrounding Tonali’s departure, hence why they were willing to let a key player leave so suddenly, however no evidence was given for any of those claims.

While Newcastle have been frustrated at how the transfer has turned out so far, it appears not to have dampened any relationships between the two clubs, with talks now underway over more business this summer.

Italian reporter Matteo Moretto has claimed that Newcastle have been in discussions with Milan over a transfer for defender Malick Thiaw, with the Premier League side said to ‘really appreciate’ the 22-year-old.

There were also talks over a potential move taking Kieran Trippier to Milan, with Newcastle under pressure to sell players before the end of June, however that part of the deal is not thought to be progressing.

© IMAGO - Malick Thiaw is wanted by Newcastle.

Thiaw transfer set to accelerate in July

Thiaw has displayed immense potential since joining Milan for €7m in 2022, with the signing ironically materialising after the Serie A giants saw their initial target in Sven Botman join Newcastle that summer.

Newcastle are believed to have monitored Thiaw for a long period of time, with Eddie Howe’s side keen to find a right-sided centre-back who can be a long-term replacement for Fabian Schar.

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READ MORE: Latest Newcastle transfer rumours

Thiaw only made 21 appearances in Serie A last season due to injury but he remains highly rated in Milan due to his speed, height and ability on the ball, leading to him receiving the first of his three caps for Germany in 2023.

The Magpies had previously been linked with Thiaw’s defensive partner in Fikayo Tomori but the England international did not come up in the recent talks, with the focus on Thiaw along with Trippier’s potential inclusion.

It is believed that any deal for Thiaw could develop from July once Newcastle’s budget resets, with the club focusing on sales for the remainder of this month to balance their books.