Newcastle United’s move for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw is not close, with the asking price presenting a stumbling block in negotiations, journalist Fabrizio Romano has told GIVEMESPORT.

Thiaw played 30 times for Milan last season, producing mostly mixed performances, as the Rossoneri finished second behind city rivals Inter. Despite displaying inconsistency, the 22-year-old is still highly thought of, and has been identified by the Newcastle hierarchy as a potential option to strengthen the centre of their defence.

While it had previously been reported that the Magpies were ‘advancing’ in talks with Milan over a deal for Thiaw, Romano has dispelled this by claiming that while the north-east club appreciate the player, the asking price may be deemed too excessive by the club’s executive team.

Newcastle not Close to Thiaw Signing

Milan value the player highly

Spending time in a number of youth academies across Western Germany, Dusseldorf-born Thiaw settled at Schalke and eventually broke into the first team in Gelsenkirchen. After a season thriving in Bundesliga II, the centre-back earned a move worth upwards of €7 million to the San Siro.

Two years into his spell in Northern Italy, and the German is attracting interest from the Premier League, with Newcastle reportedly the favourites to land his signature. Thiaw has made 54 appearances for Milan, and has been described by football analyst Ben Mattinson as a “strong, tall and athletic defender”, qualities that likely attracted the Tyneside outfit to him.

Despite rumours suggesting that a deal between the two clubs was close, Romano has provided a conflicting insight, suggesting that Milan value the player more highly than many reports are suggesting. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer specialist said: