- Newcastle United star Malick Thiaw linked with Liverpool
- Ibrahima Konate update provides Magpies clue
- Thiaw valued at £70 million by Newcastle
Newcastle United are set to be handed a boost in their hopes to keep centre-back Malick Thiaw at the club this summer with breaking news coming from Premier League rivals Liverpool.
It’s set to be a big summer on Tyneside on multiple fronts. The club has a huge decision to make on the future of Eddie Howe and will oversee a change in transfer strategy that will prioritise long-term investments.
The Magpies may also struggle to hold on to key first team stars. Anthony Gordon is reportedly pushing for a move away amid interest from Bayern Munich, while the agent of Sandro Tonali is pouring fuel onto the flames of a transfer exit.
Liverpool interest in Malick Thiaw
Thiaw only arrived at the club last summer, coming in on a £35 million transfer from AC Milan. The 24-year-old has been one of few bright sparks this season.
TeamTALK reported last month that Liverpool had been impressed by Thiaw’s adaptation to the Premier League and were ‘keen’ on bringing the defender to Anfield this summer to replace Ibrahmia Konate.
It was suggested that the Magpies would be willing to cash in on the player for £70 million but there are several other first team stars who the club would rather show the door than the consistent defender.
Hopes of keeping Thiaw out of Liverpool clutches have been handed a boost today. Konate, who would have needed replacing at Anfield, is now set to sign a new long-term contract. The news ends months of speculation over the player’s future amid supposed interest from Real Madrid.
Konate deal should see Reds cool Newcastle United transfer interest
Speaking after the 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday, Konate had hinted at the deal. He said: “To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are [now] close to an agreement. I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way.
“For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted. I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask (sporting director) Richard Hughes what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
“Yes [it’s taken a long time] but this is a negotiation. With Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah last season it was exactly the same, I think they signed the contract in April and this is maybe how the club want it.”
In other news, Newcastle United ‘insider’ provides update on Eddie Howe ‘crisis talks’.
