Newcastle United are in advanced negotiations with AC Milan to acquire 22-year-old centre-back Malick Thiaw for about £35 million, according to people familiar with the talks. Final details are being ironed out, but both clubs expect an agreement to be completed before the Premier League kicks off next weekend. Manager Eddie Howe is looking to strengthen a back line that conceded 53 league goals last season. Thiaw, a Germany international, joined Milan from Schalke in 2022 and has made more than 60 appearances for the Serie A side, earning praise for his aerial presence and ball distribution. The pending deal continues Newcastle’s heavy summer outlay, following the reported €61.4 million purchase of winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. The club, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has spent more than €150 million this window as it aims to secure Champions League qualification for a second consecutive year. News of the Thiaw talks emerged as Newcastle hosted Atlético de Madrid at St James’ Park in their final pre-season friendly, a match serving as Diego Simeone’s last tune-up before La Liga begins on 17 August. Howe is using the fixture to assess new signings and fitness ahead of Newcastle’s league opener against West Ham on 16 August.