Newcastle close to completing deal that would thwart Liverpool’s transfer plans

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Newcastle United are looking to improve Eddie Howe’s squad this summer, with the north east outfit close to signing a new defender from Italy.

Newcastle want to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan and are in advanced talks over the German centre-half moving to St James’ Park.

However, with a big-money deal seemingly set to be completed, the latest report from Italy suggests Milan will reinvest the money to sign a player that has been on the radar of Liverpool.

Newcastle fee to help Milan sign Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool have been monitoring Giovanni Leoni, who impressed in Serie A with Parma last season.

This has been corroborated by Corriere dello Sport, who say the Reds have made inquiries about the 18-year-old but this approach has been rebuffed.

The Italian newspaper claims that Leoni is a ‘dream’ signing for Milan, who will battle cross-town rivals Inter for the teenager’s signature this summer.

With Thiaw closing in on a transfer to Newcastle, the report suggests Milan will reinvest the money in an attempt to win the battle for Leoni’s signature.

Newcastle and Liverpool business intertwined

Newcastle and Liverpool’s summer business has been intertwined, especially given the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak.

The Sweden international is training away from the rest of the Newcastle squad, with transfer speculation mounting that he could move to Liverpool following the departure of Darwin Nunez to Saudi Arabia.

There will be no love lost between the rival fans, with both hoping a resolution in the Isak standoff can be negotiated soon.

For Newcastle, signing Thiaw will be a big boost for Howe and give the north-east club defensive reinforcements ahead of their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

However, signing the Milan centre-half could also inadvertently play a role in thwarting Liverpool’s transfer plans and rob the Reds of a prodigious talent they have been interested in over recent months.