Newcastle’s frustrating transfer window might finally have some good news after a summer of rejections and setbacks for Eddie Howe’s side.

Newcastle have signed winger Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale but have seen multiple targets fall through. The latest example saw Benjamin Sesko opting to join Manchester United rather than move to St. James’ Park.

Alexander Isak has asked to explore a transfer away and has been forced to train away from Howe’s first team squad as a result. Liverpool wanted to sign the Swedish striker, but appear to have walked away from the deal after an initial record bid was rejected.

Howe says Isak is not in the right mindset to return to training and doesn’t look set to be made available for the start of the Premier League season.

However, there could be some positive news on the horizon with a potential defensive signing.

Malick Thiaw ‘on the verge’ of signing for Newcastle after AC Milan omission

As uncertainty continues in attack for Newcastle, a much-needed defender could be about to arrive at the club as AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw closes in on a transfer.

Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reports that a £35m deal is in the final stages of being agreed between Newcastle and Milan with the 24-year-old agreeing personal terms. A medical could take place as soon as Sunday.

Thiaw was omitted from Milan’s pre-season friendly against Leeds at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, underlining the imminent transfer.

The German is predominantly a centre-back, but can operate at right-back and also defensive midfield to strengthen Howe’s defensive options at a crucial time.

Yoane Wissa could follow Malick Thiaw to Newcastle in double transfer move

As well as Thiaw’s possible arrival, a report from The Times suggests that Brentford striker Yoane Wissa could be the subject of an increased £30m offer from Newcastle.

The Bees have already turned down a £25m bid for Wissa from the Magpies. However, the ongoing saga regarding Isak may prompt an increased bid to try to secure a striker before the start of the new season.

Doing so is imperative. Otherwise, William Osula will be Newcastle’s only current alternative to Isak heading into the new campaign following the failure to agree a new contract with Callum Wilson and the forward’s consequent move to West Ham.

To this end, Newcastle are looking at Randal Kolo Muani and Samu Aghehowa on the continent too, as more incomings finally appear to be on the horizon at St James’ Park.