Newcastle United have already managed to strengthen their defensive options this summer.
Indeed, Eddie Howe admitted at the end of last season that Newcastle had issues to fix defensively after a campaign in which their numbers dramatically tailed off.
Howe’s side conceded 62 Premier League goals, with only Chelsea and West Ham in the top half having let in more.
Given Newcastle were the joint-best defensive outfit in the division during Howe’s first full season in charge, it was an alarming dip.
Luckily, then, Lloyd Kelly has been brought in on a free transfer.
There is hope the former Bournemouth defender will be able to develop under Howe, who also worked with him on the south coast.
Still, it seems the defensive signings may not be limited to just Kelly.
Newcastle also tried to sign Tosin Adarabioyo but missed out to Chelsea.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on another potential target.
Newcastle just held talks about signing AC Milan defender Antonio Rudiger was really impressed with
The journalist took X (formerly Twitter), to reveal that Newcastle had held talks with AC Milan over a number of deals.
Kieran Trippier is seemingly of interest to the Italian giants, while the Magpies themselves are believed to be keen on a move for defender Malick Thiaw.
Fikayo Tomori has also been linked but Romano says no talks over a move for the England international were held.
For their part, Thiaw is understood to be seen as a key part of the Milan project.
Romano would go onto add that the 22-year-old is on Newcastle’s shortlist but it would take a significant offer to sign him.
The German international joined them in 2022 from Schalke and is able to operate at either right-back or in central defence.
Thiaw made his international debut last summer and much-celebrated compatriot Antonio Rudiger was full of praise.
Speaking to BILD, he said: “A very good game from him. He came in well and showed personality.”
Newcastle have already signed their first choice defender
Missing out on Adarabioyo was no doubt a blow but Geordie Boot Boys has been told by HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey that Kelly was in fact the first-choice for Howe.
“From what I’m told, Newcastle did want Tosin – of course they did, he was a big part of their plans – but Eddie Howe always wanted Lloyd Kelly,” he said.
“He was the manager’s first choice. It’s not to say he didn’t want Tosin, but Kelly was his first choice.”
It means that Newcastle’s plan to strengthen their defence is already somewhat on plan, even if Adarabioyo would have been a nice supplementary addition.
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