Newcastle strike £34.3m transfer deal for defender as Toon finally land summer target

Newcastle have agreed a deal to land AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw after the two clubs settled on a fee of £34.3million that will see the German head to Tyneside for a medical.

It is a major breakthrough for the Magpies, who have missed out on a number of targets this summer, but the versatile defender is edging towards a move to St James' Park. Thiaw will provide competition at the heart of the defence.

Newcastle see the 24-year-old as the right-sided replacement for Fabian Schar, who turns 34 in December, reports the Daily Mail. Thiaw would become just the second major signing for Eddie Howe this summer after he also landed Antony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.

Beyond that though it has been a frustrating summer for the club, who have just returned to the Champions League, yet have seen a number of the players they've pursued head to other clubs.

Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford were all on their radar before they decided to move to some of Newcastle's Premier League rivals. Howe will also have been fearing the departure of Alexander Isak, who had made it known he wanted to seek pastures new.

READ MORE: Liverpool have already confirmed response to Newcastle's Alexander Isak transfer statement

READ MORE: Eddie Howe hints at Alexander Isak exit with pointed remark to leave Liverpool on red alert

That led to the club's interest in Benjamin Sesko, only to see their bid for the then RB Leipzig star rejected. Manchester United were quick to come to the table and the Slovenian completed his move to Manchester on Sautrday. Yoane Wissa is another player Newcastle have pursued, but not signed.

The Athletic now claims that the Magpies are now considering a move for Porto's Samu Aghehowa. No formal approach has been made but the club are keen after seeing Aghehowa excel for the Portuguese side last season following his move from Atletico Madrid. The 21-year-old netted 27 goals in 45 games in all competitions.

Newcastle though have made it clear to Isak that he will not be leaving this summer - ending his hopes of a move to Liverpool. The Swede was told of the club's decision and it is understood he did not take it well and will continue training away from the first-team.

It is thought that, even if a new striker is signed by Newcastle, they will not u-turn on their firm stance regarding Isak's future. Howe has been aware of the hierarchy's stance has been left to smooth things out with the player.

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