Eddie Howe responds to player transfer links as Newcastle United close in on £35m deal

Eddie Howe has been asked about Newcastle United’s interest in signing defender Malick Thiaw this summer.

The Tyneside club have already made four signings this summer but a new centre-back is high up on their priority list.

HITC revealed on Monday that Newcastle are close to finalising a £35million deal for Malick Thiaw.

Newcastle United opened talks with AC Milan with an interest in Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori earlier this summer, and they are now closing in on a deal for the 22-year-old.

Thiaw has worked his way into the first-team plans in Milan and his playing style has been compared to World Cup winner Sergio Ramos.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has now faced questions over his club’s interest in Thiaw.

Eddie Howe responds to Malick Thiaw links

Newcastle are currently in Japan for their pre-season preparations and Howe has faced questions over his side’s transfer business.

When asked about Newcastle’s interest in Thiaw, Howe told The Athletic, “There’s no updates on that.

“I’m always reluctant to comment on these things, but he’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan.

“And yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

Without giving too much away about Newcastle’s interest, Howe confirmed he is an admirer of Thiaw after facing the German defender in the Champions League last season.

Newcastle were held to a goalless draw in Milan back in September with Thiaw featuring in a four-man defence alongside Tomori.

The Magpies have already strengthened their backline with Lloyd Kelly signing as a free agent, but after being caught short in defence last season, Howe will still want more depth for the upcoming campaign.