Malick Thiaw signs & Newcastle target Jacob Ramsey

And the 24-year-old is thrilled to have put pen to paper on what Newcastle have described as a long-term deal after completing his £35m move from AC Milan on Tuesday night.

Thiaw, who will wear the No.12 shirt for Newcastle, has long been a leading defensive target for Howe, who told of his delight at the capture of the Germany international.

And the centre-half said: "I'm really excited to join this massive club. I can't wait to start training and to get to know my new teammates and all the staff.

"The gaffer showed me his vision and what he wants to do with me as a player and the club itself, which is really exciting.

"I think Newcastle speaks for itself. It's a great club, a big club with passionate fans who I can't wait to see at St. James' Park."

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Howe added: "We're really pleased to have Malick on board. He's a player I've admired for a long time and somebody who will add real quality to our defensive options.

"Malick is still young but brings valuable experience of Champions League football, as well as playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A, which is a major positive for us as we return to Europe this season."

Newcastle will move swiftly on to their next target, with the Magpies set to make a strong push to sign Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

Talks have taken place with Aston Villa and Newcastle are now preparing a formal bid.

Earlier on Tuesday Odysseas Vlachodimos completed his season-long loan move to Sevilla.

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