Newcastle United remain interested in signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, a new report has revealed, and hope the England international will be available for less than the £60m they bid over the summer.
The 24-year-old played a starring role for his country at Euro 2024, establishing himself as a regular for Gareth Southgate after Harry Maguire was forced out of the tournament through injury.
Guehi was equally as impressive for Palace during the 2023/24 season, helping the Eagles achieve a top-half Premier League finish after a late burst of form under new manager Oliver Glasner, and was a regular feature in transfer gossip columns over the summer.
Newcastle were the team who most actively pursued Guehi as they attempted to strengthen Eddie Howe’s backline – the Magpies’ attempts ultimately futile as Palace rejected a number of bids.
The Northern Echo report that Newcastle are ready to reignite their interest and hope to use Palace’s inability to agree a new contract with Guehi against them.
Guehi’s current deal has 18 months left to run, meaning his transfer value is likely to diminish from this point forward, and it’s said that Newcastle will push for a move that will be worth less than the best and final £60m offer they lodged in August.
There’s also hope that Palace’s inadequate start to the season may play a role in finally convincing their chairman Steve Parish that Guehi’s interests are best served elsewhere.
After failing to sign Guehi in the summer, Newcastle did not sign an alternative and have struggled with injuries this term. The most notable absentee has been Netherlands international Sven Botman, sidelined by a serious knee problem, while former captain Jamaal Lascelles will be out of action until at least February.
Dan Burn has stepped into the breach, shifting over from left-back to cover, but there’s little room to manoeuvre for manager Howe, whose side have again impressed by conceding just 11 goals in their first 11 Premier League matches.
Guehi hasn’t fared so well amid Palace’s struggles but is still highly thought of, not only by Newcastle but other leading Premier League clubs too.