Newcastle’s longstanding quest for a right-sided centre-back appears to be over after they agreed a £35m deal with Milan for their Germany defender Malick Thiaw.

The 24-year-old flew to north-east England on Sunday night and was undergoing a medical on Monday. Before leaving Italy, Thiaw said: “Newcastle? I am happy with the choice. I’m ready for the Premier League.”

Although Milan had wanted to keep Thiaw, the 6ft 4in defender, who will provide strong competition for Fabian Schär but can also operate at right-back and as a defensive midfielder, pushed hard to be allowed to join Newcastle.

Thiaw’s arrival ends Newcastle’s interest in Crystal Palace’s England defender Marc Guéhi, the uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future as the Sweden striker continues to agitate to be allowed to join Liverpool dictates Newcastle are stepping up their striker hunt.

A deal for Brentford’s centre-forward Yoane Wissa is expected to be concluded this week and Newcastle have also enquired about the availability of the Porto striker Samu Aghehowa. The 21-year scored 27 goals in 45 appearances last season and is understood to have a €100m (£86.6m) release clause.

Isak is expected to continue to train separately from his teammates. Howe, who said he only wants players who “really want to play for this football club”, has indicated last season’s leading scorer will have no part in Saturday’s match at Aston Villa.