Howe met his new £34m signing at Newcastle's Benton base on Monday morning, enjoying a brief chat before Thiaw was whisked away to speak with team-mates and to conduct his media duties.

Newcastle United have officially announced the signing of German defender Malick Thiaw from Serie A outfit AC Milan.The 24-year-old joins the Magpies on a long-term deal for an initial €36 million

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