AC Milan star ‘responds’ to Newcastle United approach

Newcastle United are still hoping to add another centre-back to their squad during the summer transfer window after completing the free transfer addition of Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly.

The ten-times capped former England Under-21 star will officially become part of Eddie Howe’s squad when his Cherries contract comes to a close at the end of the month after United reportedly saw off interest from the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to complete their first signing of the summer. Concluding the deal for Kelly also allowed the Magpies to shake off the disappointment of missing out on Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo after he was said to have snubbed an offer from United to join the Cottagers’ West London rivals Chelsea on a free transfer.

With centre-back duo Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman likely to remain on the sidelines until November with serious knee injuries they suffered last season, adding another centre-back remains high on the agenda for the Magpies hierarchy. The likes of Juventus youngster Dean Huijsen, Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande and AC Milan’s former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori have all been named as possible targets – and Football Insider have issued an update on United’s pursuit of the latter.

The former Derby County loan star has enjoyed a productive spell at the San Siro, helping Milan to their title win in 2022 and featured for the Serie A side in both of their Champions League group stage games against Newcastle last season as they ended the Magpies’ hopes of progressing into the knockout rounds. Tomori remains under contract until the summer of 2027 but recent reports have suggested he is one option being considered by Newcastle as they look to further boost their defensive ranks.

However, Football Insider have now claimed the former Chelsea star, who missed out on a place in England’s Euro 2024 Finals squad, would view a move to St James Park as a step down from Milan and would reject any firm approach from Newcastle. The report also claims United’s failure to secure a place in European competition put an end to their chances of progressing any deal for Tomori and they will now be forced to focus their attentions elsewhere.