Malick Thiaw is set to be confirmed as a Newcastle United player after the AC Milan centre-back reportedly completed his medical with the Magpies.

Amid their stand-off with Alexander Isak over his desire to join Liverpool, Newcastle have endured a frustrating summer as they prepare for a 2025-26 campaign in which they will play Champions League football for the second time in three seasons.

Though Newcastle completed a £55million move for Sweden winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, they have found other deals difficult to finalise, missing out on a host of targets, particularly in attacking areas. After long-term goalkeeper target James Trafford returned to Manchester City from Burnley, Newcastle pivoted to bringing in Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton with an option to buy.

But they have found success in recruiting Thiaw, with the Germany centre-back landing on Tyneside on Sunday before undergoing his medical at Newcastle’s training ground on Monday.

He is set to sign for a fee in the region of £35million and will address a significant issue in the centre of Newcastle’s defence. Eddie Howe has relied heavily on Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, both of whom are 33 years old, amid persistent injury issues for Sven Botman.

The arrival of the 24-year-old Thiaw gives Newcastle a more long-term option at the position along with the 25-year-old Botman.

Thiaw joined Milan from Schalke in 2022 and made 85 appearances for Rossoneri, scoring his only goal for the club in a 3-1 win over Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League.

Massimiliano Allegri was keen to keep Thiaw as he starts his second spell in charge of Milan. However, before boarding his flight to Newcastle, Thiaw told reporters: “Newcastle? I am happy with the choice. I’m ready for the Premier League.”

Newcastle are now likely to switch their focus back to securing attacking reinforcements, with the Isak saga casting a shadow over their efforts in the transfer window.

A deal for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa is thought to be close, though with their season starting on Saturday and Isak training away from the team, the likelihood is that Newcastle will face Aston Villa with Anthony Gordon operating in a false nine role.