Newcastle 'doing everything' to stop Malick Thiaw leaving after Chelsea reveal
Newcastle United must do everything possible to keep Malick Thiaw at the club despite a number of clubs being interested in the defender.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, as Thiaw has been a standout performer for Newcastle in his first season at the club.
The 24-year-old moved to St James' Park last summer from AC Milan in a deal worth around £30million, and the German has started 24 Premier League matches this season.
No Champions League football next season on Tyneside though may put Newcastle at risk of losing key players in the summer.
Malick Thiaw to be 'sought after' in the summer
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs - states that there could be an "auction" to sign Thiaw.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes Chelsea and Everton are among the clubs interested in agreeing a deal.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “He seems to be pretty sought after. He's the right age. He's shown great talent.
"I know clubs in Germany are also looking at bringing him back as well. I know that there has been a couple of clubs. I think Juventus were looking at him as well. Chelsea, of course. Everton have been linked.
"A lot of people admire him. And as I say, at that age as well, he seems to have a really good head on his shoulders and a good attitude. So he's one that will be sought after.
"I think there could be a bit of an auction there. I think Newcastle, if they would do the best they can, if they can try and keep him, I think they've got to try and do everything they can to keep him.”
Aaron Ramsdale to Newcastle update emerges
Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle could sign Aaron Ramsdale on a permanent deal once his loan spell expires.
Southampton will likely let Ramsdale leave the club on a permanent basis if they do not secure promotion back to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old has failed to nail down the number one position ahead of Nick Pope, but Newcastle would like to spend their transfer funds on other areas of the pitch before upgrading their options in-between the sticks.