Newcastle still hunting Milan defensive duo as Italian club searches for potential replacement

Other than a right winger, Newcastle United's other transfer priority this summer is to bring in another central defender.

With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both unavailable until the new year due to both undergoing ACL surgery at the back end of the last campaign, Newcastle must add more depth to their defensive options, especially with Paul Dummett having left when his contract ended too.

The Magpies have brought in Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer and will be seen as cover for Sven Botman and a potential starter at left-back, but that still leaves Newcastle needing at least one more defender to cover for Fabian Schar.

The Swiss international has been outstanding since Eddie Howe took over and has often shaken off injuries to be available for selection, but he's approaching 33 and Howe needs to start planning for the future.

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Fikayo Tomori has already made his stance on a Newcastle move clear

Two players who have been heavily linked to Newcastle this summer come from AC Milan, and while it's highly unlikely that the Magpies could land both targets, picking up one of the two is a very distinct possibility according to Corriere della Sera in Italy (via Sempre Milan).

Newcastle have their eye on England defender Fikayo Tomori who left Chelsea to join Milan. Tomori was outstanding in the game at St James' Park last season as Milan and Newcastle met in the Champions League.

Unfortunately, Tomori does not seem keen on a move to Tyneside, apparently saying that it would be a step down in his career. Newcastle remain undeterred but common sense says this is a non-starter.

Malick Thiaw could be persuaded to join Newcastle

Fortunately, a swoop for German centre-back Malick Thiaw seems more likely and that's the rumour which has gathered the most pace.

Milan are looking at signing Strahinja Pavlovic from RB Salzburg and if successful could mean that the Italian giants are more receptive to letting Thiaw leave.

There remains the possibility that Pavlovic is a replacement for Simon Kjaer who has already left the club, but we're going to keep the faith that his arrival could trigger Thiaw's move to Newcastle.