Tuttosport: Milan set price for Thiaw as Newcastle ponder bid – the replacement identified

Newcastle United have been credited with renewed interest in Malick Thiaw, but AC Milan are expected to demand more to sell.

Matteo Moretto reported on Monday that Newcastle’s admiration for Thiaw remains standing, but Milan are no longer open to selling him for €25m as they were to Como. Instead, with Massimiliano Allegri keen to keep him, it would take €10m more at least.

Thiaw’s price resists

According to Tuttosport (via PianetaMilan), the Magpies have indeed turned back to Thiaw after abandoning the idea of signing Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta, because of the asking price that La Dea have set.

Newcastle, the paper writes, would have to offer €35m plus bonuses (if not more) to convince Milan to sell the German. As mentioned, Allegri has made it clear that in an ideal world he would like to keep Thiaw, meaning that he has clearly made a mark in preseason.

In the event of him being sold, the Rossoneri would have to try and replace him quickly, and there is already a name in mind. That profile is Parma’s Giovanni Leoni, who the new coach holds in high regard but who also has a price tag out of reach without a big sale.