EDDIE HOWE has admitted for the first time his admiration for AC Milan star Malick Thiaw.
Reports emerged on the mainland on Monday that the 22-year-old Germany The international was scheduled to reunite with former San Siro team-mate Sandro Tonali on Tyneside.
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But the Newcastle boss is convinced there are “no updates” to report on negotiations with the series A club.
Thiaw, 22, has been scouted by several Premier League clubs.
However, the Magpies moved to the front of the queue with speculation that the midfielder had agreed terms for a move to St. Louis.
Howe has now revealed that he is a huge fan of Thiaw after seeing him up close on Champions League last season.
Although he insists nothing new has happened in relation to a possible transfer as he prepares his team to face Urawa Reds in Japan tomorrow.
He said: “There are no updates on this… I am always reluctant to comment on these things.
“But he is a player I know. Of course we did, because of our Champions League games against Milan.
“He’s a very good player, but that’s it.”
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One of the main obstacles is believed to be Milan’s asking price for Thiaw.
SunSport understands they are looking for at least £30m – but Toon bosses think the price is too high.
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Thiaw made his big debut for Schalke in the Bundesliga.
His displays saw Milan pay £6m for his services in 2022.
He initially impressed but has fallen down the pecking order over the past term and could be looking for a new challenge.
Howe’s main targets on the transfer front are considered to be a new right winger and attacker.
But he is also hoping to add some defensive reinforcements with his £100m kitty.
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Lloyd Kelly, 25, arrived on a free after his contract at Bournemouth expired.
But with Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman sidelined until the end of this year with anterior cruciate ligament injuries, he is also thought to be trying to protect himself.
Howe and Newcastle’s new sporting director Paul Mitchell continue their recruitment campaign during their tour of Japan this week.
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