Newcastle United 'insist' on signing 22-year-old centre-back from AC Milan

Newcastle United look to have found their man in their pursuit of a new centre-back and are refusing to give up until the deal is done.

Last week it was reported that the Magpies had their eye on young AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw after the two clubs sat down to discuss transfers.

Previously it was suggested that Newcastle were looking at a move for England's Fikayo Tomori but the 26-year-old feels that it would be a step back in his career and would prefer to stay at Milan.

However, things appear to be heating up around Thiaw and Italian outlets believe that Newcastle have the bit between their teeth.

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Newcastle seem determined to wrap up a deal for Malick Thiaw

Tuttomercatoweb have relayed information from Sport Mediaset regarding Newcastle's interest in Thiaw and they believe that the Magpies will 'not give up' in their efforts to sign the £25million-rated youngster.

The German defender played 30 times for Milan last season and was on the pitch for the full game as Newcastle held the Italian giants to a 0-0 draw in the first Champions League group game.

Thiaw missed the game at St James' Park however due to a hamstring injury.

Newcastle offered up Kieran Trippier as part of the deal

Reports claimed that Newcastle had floated the possibility of including Kieran Trippier in the deal for Thiaw but that has been shut down, however, it's believed that £25million should seal the deal.

Thiaw has plenty of room for improvement, but at just 22 he's got a lot of years ahead of him to do so and with Eddie Howe's magic touch he could develop into a star alongside Sven Botman.

In fact, Newcastle's young back four of Tino LIvramento, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall could end up being the envy of everyone in the Premier League. If only we could add Giorgi Mamardashvili behind them in goal. Curses!