Newcastle Chiefs Discuss Surprise Move for Premier League Striker Wanted by Manchester United

Newcastle joins Arsenal and Manchester United in considering a deal for Ollie Watkins, who now plays for Aston Villa.
Watkins, 29, emerged as an Arsenal target in January, when the club was looking for a new number nine. While a deal was not reached at the time, the England star was a target again this summer. Arsenal is already in advanced talks over a trade for Viktor Gyokeres.

Newcastle are the latest club to show interest in Ollie Watkins(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty)

United respect Watkins, a Premier League veteran with a strong goal scoring record at Villa.

According to The Mail, Watkins has been linked with Newcastle after the departure of Calum Wilson.
The Magpies are looking for a new frontman to compete with Alexander Isak, and have lately ‘talked’ Watkins and Yoane Wissa from Brentford.
The report goes on to say that it’s unclear whether Watkins or Wissa would be willing to compete with Isak, the club’s undoubted first-choice striker. Both would most likely be expensive, and at 29 and 28 years old, neither Watkins nor Wissa would have much resale value.

Yoane Wissa’s name has also been floated at Newcastle(Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Newcastle are interested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a striker who left Everton at the conclusion of his contract and is now free. Intriguingly, he is also thought to have been offered by Manchester United.
While Arsenal’s deal for Gyokeres makes a move for Watkins improbable, United are reviewing their No. 9 alternatives and could yet make a move for the Aston Villa front.

The Magpies are light in the striker department following the departure of Callum Wilson(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle are close to signing former Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga for £55 million, but they are short on attacking options after Wilson said he would be departing St James’ Park after five years due to a contract extension not being agreed upon.
In a statement, he said: “It’s time to say goodbye after an incredible few years at the Toon. Thank you for everything. We remained strong together through highs and lows to assist the club reach new heights.

“I am extremely delighted to have worn the classic number 9 shirt and added a little history to it. “Scoring at the Gallowgate End is truly special.” Although all good things must come to an end, Newcastle United will always hold a special place in my and my family’s hearts.

“Thank you for your memories. CW9.”

‘Next week’: Fabrizio Romano updates on Newcastle United transfer hijack after £21 million deal accepted

‘Next week’: Fabrizio Romano updates on Newcastle United transfer hijack after £21 million deal accepted

AC Milan has accepted a £21 million bid for Newcastle United’s trade target Malick Thiaw.

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Newcastle were connected with the 23-year-old centre-back last summer as Eddie Howe sought to improve his defence.

Since then, the Magpies have failed to sign Marc Guehi and traded Lloyd Kelly to Juventus, making the need for defensive reinforcements even more pressing a year later.

Thiaw has made 85 appearances for AC Milan since joining from Schalke 04 in 2022, scoring once. In September 2023, he played against Newcastle in a 0-0 Champions League draw at the San Siro, but he was unable to play the return leg due to injury.

AC Milan accepts Malick Thiaw’s transfer proposal. 

Thiaw has been widely linked with a move away from Milan this summer, with Serie A club Como having accepted a £21 million deal for the three-time Germany international.

But it was last month, and a deal has yet to be completed, with Thiaw keeping his options open.

Following the ties to Newcastle last summer, the Italian media teased a potential transfer hijack.

Newcastle United transfer hijack?
According to Italian journalist Matteo Morretto, Thiaw is delaying a move to Como in order to compete in a European competition, with Newcastle United mentioned as a possible destination.

AC Milan failed to qualify for Europe after placing ninth in Serie A and runners-up to Bologna in the Coppa Italia. Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas, a former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder, led Como to 10th place, 14 points behind Milan.

Newcastle will play Champions League football again this season, but Eddie Howe has yet to bolster his team this summer.

Moretto told Milan News that as time passes, it becomes more difficult for Thiaw to say yes to Como.

“They tell me that Como is doing everything they can to persuade him, but the German would like to continue playing in a European competition, if feasible.

“There is some admiration from the Premier League. Last year, Newcastle was hunting for Thiaw, and they are still looking for a central defender now.

“So keep an eye on this path, at the moment there is nothing concrete, but I can confirm that Newcastle is also evaluating Thiaw, who, in addition to returning to Germany, would be interested in an experience in the Premier League.”

Eddie Howe comments on Malick Thiaw’s interest.

When asked about Newcastle’s interest in Thiaw last summer, head coach Howe said the defender is ‘a very excellent player’ but did neither confirm or deny it.

“I’m always reluctant to comment on these things [transfer speculation],” Howe remarked when questioned about Thiaw last summer. “He’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

Fabrizio Romano delivers an update on Malick Thiaw.

Over the weekend, transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano gave an update on Thiaw’s unclear status.

“Malick Thiaw, expected to make a decision on his future by mid next week with Como waiting for an answer on their proposal,” according to Romano. “The deal between Como and AC Milan for a €25 million [£21 million] package was confirmed two weeks ago. Still up to Malick.”

Despite Thiaw’s clear reluctance to join Como, the final decision will be left to the player, who is available for £21 million. If Newcastle want to make a move, this is a transaction that might be completed swiftly, given the player’s preference to play in the Champions League.

However, Newcastle are currently considering alternative options, with Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta and Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi on their radar.