Eddie Howe reluctantly confirms 22-year-old is not close to joining Newcastle United

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has shut down rumours of any agreed deal between the club and Malick Thiaw.

Thiaw has been linked with a move to the Magpies throughout this summer transfer window after impressing against Howe's side for AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League last season.

There were rumours yesterday that personal terms had been agreed between the player and the club but Thiaw's agent spoke out publicly against them.

Thiaw's agent Gordon Stipic said that the reporting about his client to Newcastle was “false and incorrect”.

Image: Getty

No updates on Malick Thiaw, Eddie Howe confirms

Howe spoke to the press in Japan ahead of the Magpies pre-season tour games against Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F Marinos.

On a potential deal for Thiaw, Howe said: "There's no updates on that.

"I'm always reluctant to comment on these things, but he's a player I know about.

"Of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he's a very good player, but that's it."

Should Newcastle fans expect to see more incomings this transfer window?

It is no secret that Newcastle are in the market for new players this transfer window.

Last Saturday, Howe confirmed that the club are holding "multiple recruitment meetings a day" involving himself and Paul Mitchell, the clubs new sporting director.

Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie said that he expects Newcastle to sign a centre-back and a right-winger but the looming issues with finances remain a constant.

As it stands any deals seem a long way off.