Eddie Howe appears optimistic during a Premier League match as Newcastle United reach a ‘full verbal agreement’ to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, while their primary alternative to Benjamin Sesko is reportedly keen on a move to St James’ Park.
The Magpies have faced a challenging transfer window, unable to secure several key targets including Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, James Trafford, and Hugo Ekitike. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak has been training individually following a bid for his services from Liverpool, with Sesko seemingly poised to opt for Manchester United instead.
Regarding their pursuit of Sesko, The Athletic’s David Ornstein disclosed: “Newcastle initially proposed €75 million plus €5 million in add-ons, before upping the bid on Monday to at least €80 million. Within a day, Manchester United countered with an offer of €75 million plus €10 million. By Tuesday, Newcastle’s proposal of €82.5 million plus €2.5 million was accepted by Leipzig. However, Sesko desires a move to Manchester United, and all parties are informed of this as discussions progress to meet Leipzig’s expectations. Although there is no formal club-to-club agreement yet, the situation seems headed in that direction.”
With Sesko likely out of reach, Newcastle are exploring other possibilities. According to a report by journalist Subhankar Mondal for TEAMtalk, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is ‘eager to join’ the Magpies, serving as their ‘top alternative’ to Sesko.
So far this summer, Eddie Howe’s squad has been bolstered by the signings of Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale, and Antoñito Cordero. The club is also in the market for a centre-back, with AC Milan’s Thiaw emerging as a potential alternative to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
On Tuesday afternoon, Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Understand Newcastle are set to approach AC Milan for Malick Thiaw. Discussions will follow as Thiaw is now an important player for Max Allegri post the Como deal collapse in July. #NUFC will try to open talks regarding the price soon.”
Italian publication Corriere dello Sport reported that Newcastle’s significant offer of around €30 million had been turned down by AC Milan, who are holding out for €35 million.
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