The signing of the Germany defender ends Eddie Howe's long pursuit of a centre-back and is a major boost in a difficult summer

The 6ft 4in Germany international is strong in the air but has a top speed that allows him to operate in Newcastle's preferred high line. He is also tactically flexible and can be deployed as a right-sided or left-sided centre-back, while he operated in the middle of a back three in 2022-23.

Newcastle United have signed German defender Malick Thiaw from Serie A side AC Milan, the Premier League club said late on Tuesday.