'Progress has been made': Talks for 22-year-old defender heading in right direction - journalist

Newcastle United seem to be edging ever closer to filling that centre-back position that has been a priority since the transfer market opened.

Eddie Howe thought he had got his two defenders wrapped up before the transfer window had opened when it looked like both Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo were heading to St James' Park.

Ultimately, only one of the two ended up signing for Newcastle with Lloyd Kelly linking up once again with Eddie Howe, while Tosin opted to remain in London moving from Fulham to Chelsea.

Since then many centre-backs have been linked to the club but one has remained a constant feature, and now seems to be edging closer.

Malick Thiaw has verbally agreed a contract in principle with Newcastle

Journalist Joel Bland has now claimed via X that talks are ongoing between Newcastle and AC Milan over a move for German centre-back Malick Thiaw.

The 22-year-old has been impressive alongside fellow Newcastle target Fikyao Tomori, and with Milan moving in on Strahinja Petrovic as a potential replacement, a deal is looking increasingly likely. While Bland is careful to point out that no fee has been agreed, he is nonetheless positive that a deal could be struck.

"Talks between #NUFC and AC Milan are going in the right direction over Malick Thiaw - progress has been made. Understand that a contract in principle has been verbally agreed. Unsure on potential fee at the moment."

The deal is still a long way of but let's get carried away anyway

It's worth noting that a verbal agreement of a contract in principle means nothing at this point. We've been at this stage before and seen deals fall through, so it's by no means an inevitability.

That being said, we can't help getting a bit excited. This would be up there with the signing of Sven Botman in terms of bringing in a young defender already capable of doing the job, but also so full of potential to become even better.

All extremities are, and will remain crossed until this one is either done or officially impossible.