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 have signed defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday. The Germany defender was linked with a move to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich last summer but after another year in Serie A, he joins Eddie Howe's side in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old, a Germany international who predominantly plays at centre-back, becomes the Magpies' third first-team addition of the summer.Malick racked up 85 appearances in all competitions