AC Milan star Malick Thiaw to have Newcastle United medical on Monday ahead of switch | OneFootball

AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw will fly into the United Kingdom on Sunday for his Newcastle United medical set to hold on Monday, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Patrick Berger.

The 24-year-old is joining Newcastle for an initial €38 million as the St James’ Park club look to bolster their options at the back, and another €4m will come in add-ons.

Thiaw will train with his soon-to-be new teammates on Monday and could be making his Premier League debut when the Magpies play Aston Villa away from home next Saturday.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had been keen on signing a centre-back all summer after the Toons attempted several moves for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi during the January transfer window.

They were also linked with Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini earlier in the summer transfer window but have now opted for the Milan star.

Newcastle are preparing for life without 33-year-old duo Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, and Thiaw fits the bill as a long-term successor to them.

The Germany international has made 85 appearances for Milan since joining the Serie A club from Schalke 04 in August 2022.

He helped the Italians win the Supercoppa Italiana last term and will now be looking forward to impressing in the Premier League with the Toons.

Thiaw pushed for the Newcastle move and his imminent arrival will be a much-needed boost for Howe as he looks to improve his squad depth in the position ahead of 2025-26.

The Magpies are featuring in the Champions League next season and will need a top-notch defensive depth if they are to challenge effectively across all competitions.

They will now hope to sort things out in attack as Sweden international striker Alexander Isak wants out as a result of strong interest from Liverpool, and Howe has to make the best decision for his team.