How Eddie Howe feels about Malick Thiaw to Newcastle transfer, Paul Mitchell deserves credit

Newcastle are closing in on a major defensive transfer addition with the expected signing of AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw, to the delight of manager Eddie Howe – TBR Football can reveal.

After a frustrating summer in the transfer market, Newcastle have lost out on a number of targets, including Benjamin Sesko, who joined Manchester United, while Alexander Isak is training alone after asking to leave.

However, German international Thiaw is set to arrive at Newcastle to offer some good news after the arrivals of Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale so far.

Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images

TBR Football understands Newcastle are close to completing Thiaw’s signing for around £30m, and he represents a big win for Eddie Howe after a summer of change behind the scenes at St James’ Park.

Exclusive: Eddie Howe delighted to secure Malick Thiaw at Newcastle

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, has been told that Eddie Howe is delighted with the addition of Thiaw, with Newcastle having held an interest in the defender last summer.

That interest was led by former Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, who left Newcastle this summer to leave Howe in control of transfer plans.

Bailey revealed: “Thiaw almost joined last summer before Milan pulled the plug, and he was always held in huge regard. At the price they are getting him for around £30million, Newcastle are delighted, they think he has a huge ceiling and has a lot of improvement in him, despite already being a German international.

“Thiaw just ticks so many boxes for Eddie Howe and what they wanted.”

Paul Mitchell deserves credit as Newcastle close in on Malick Thiaw

After Mitchell’s departure from Newcastle in June by mutual consent, Howe has been in charge of the club’s transfer plans. Jack Ross has since been appointed as Head of Football Strategy and will operate beneath a new Sporting Director.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Mitchell was not the most popular figure among Newcastle fans, but led the pursuit of Thiaw last summer with the backing of Howe but AC Milan pulled the plug on any deal.

Bailey continued: “It is interesting that Paul Mitchell still takes some stick from Newcastle fans about his tenure and some even believe he was to blame for the current Alexander Isak situation.

“But he is one who first looked at Thiaw, but Eddie Howe was always in agreement with – which was maybe rare – but he is a player they both wanted.”

Newcastle will hope the positive news in the transfer market continues in the final weeks of the summer, while a resolution to the Isak situation will be a priority for Howe.

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