Newcastle United's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday offered Matthias Jaissle some relief, with William Osula and Harvey Barnes scoring after half-time. However, the Magpies still need better defensive security, particularly when opponents attack quickly against their high line.
Fabian Schär and Dan Burn provide experience at centre-back, while summer signing Malick Thiaw offers another option. Yet Newcastle must consider their longer-term defensive plans, given Schär and Burn's age and the physical demands of Jaissle's pressing system. Their current options make defensive recruitment worth exploring before the January transfer window.
That situation could encourage the club to explore an opportunity in Italy.
According to an exclusive report by Graeme Bailey for TEAMtalk , Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have enquired about signing AC Milan teammates Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Both Englishmen could return to the Premier League in January, with Milan reportedly open to offers as their contracts approach expiry in June 2027.
The Premier League clubs' scouts watched the pair during Milan's 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Thursday. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan's early dismissal disrupted the contest, but interest in the duo has continued.
Tomori, 28, has attracted attention from Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Fulham, alongside Newcastle. The former Chelsea defender has struggled for regular league minutes this season, making a January move worth considering for clubs seeking experienced defensive reinforcement.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Loftus-Cheek offers versatility in midfield, although Newcastle's need for defensive reinforcement appears more pressing.
Bailey reports that Newcastle and Tottenham have explored the possibility of signing both players. Newcastle could benefit from previous dealings with Milan over Sandro Tonali and Thiaw, although that relationship guarantees neither a reduced fee nor an agreement.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan inflates a balloon as he celebrates with team mates after scoring to give the side a 2-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Newcastle should seriously consider Tomori because his recovery speed could help Jaissle maintain an aggressive defensive line without exposing slower defenders to repeated one-on-one situations.
At 28, the England international offers experience and several years of potential service. His ability to cover space behind advancing full-backs could help Newcastle commit more players forward without leaving excessive space for opponents to exploit during counter-attacks.
However, limited playing time at Milan makes proper fitness and performance assessments essential. Newcastle must establish his current level, wage expectations and Milan's asking price before committing significant funds.
The previous relationship between the clubs could simplify negotiations, while Tomori's age makes him a more sustainable option than another short-term defensive fix. Still, Newcastle must avoid overpaying simply because Milan already know their recruitment team.
If the asking price reflects his contract situation, Tomori deserves serious consideration. Jaissle needs a defender who can recover quickly, defend aggressively and remain composed when opponents break the press. Adding that profile could allow Newcastle to maintain their attacking approach while giving the defence greater security in transition.
