AC Milan star Malick Thiaw to have Newcastle United medical on Monday ahead of switch | OneFootball

AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw will fly into the United Kingdom on Sunday for his Newcastle United medical, according to Sky Germany journalist Patrick Berger.

The 24-year-old is joining Newcastle for an initial €38 million plus add-ons. Thiaw will train with his soon-to-be new teammates on Monday.

He could make his Premier League debut when the Magpies visit Aston Villa next Saturday.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had been keen on signing a centre-back all summer after attempting several failed moves for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi during the January transfer window.

They were also linked with Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini earlier in the summer transfer window but have now opted for the Milan star.

Newcastle are preparing for life without 33-year-old duo Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, and Thiaw fits the bill as a long-term successor to them.

The Germany international has made 85 appearances for Milan since joining them from Schalke 04 in August 2022.

He helped the Italians win the Supercoppa Italiana last term and will now be looking forward to impressing in the Premier League with Newcastle.

Thiaw pushed for the move, and his imminent arrival will be a much-needed boost for Howe as he looks to improve his squad depth ahead of the new season.

The Magpies are featuring in the Champions League and will need to strengthen if they are to challenge effectively across all competitions.

They will now hope to sort things out in attack as Sweden international striker Alexander Isak wants out as a result of intense interest from Liverpool.