Newcastle set to sign Thiaw from AC Milan

Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.

The centre-back is due to fly to Tyneside on Sunday night to finalise his move to St James' Park.

Newcastle have missed out on several targets this summer, including Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and James Trafford, but Thiaw is keen to join the club.

The Germany international will undergo a medical before completing a deal reportedly worth up to £34.62m (40m euros), including add-ons.

Bringing in a new centre-back was a priority for Newcastle this summer as manager Eddie Howe looks to increase competition and lower the average age of an experienced squad.

Although Howe did not comment directly on Thiaw over the weekend, the head coach has previously referred to the 24-year-old as a "very good player".

Howe said he was "hopeful" of making a breakthrough in the transfer market before Newcastle's opening day clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.