Newcastle have pushed ahead with negotiations to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi without resistance..
As The Pitch Prospect has learned, the Toons are currently in advanced talks over a £60million transfer for the English centre-back, with supposed rivals Liverpool not in the running.
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Newcastle are willing to pay a huge sum for Guehi, which could come close to the previous record deal for Alexander Isak, who cost £63 million.
Personal teams are to be agreed with the 24-year-old, who is apparently very interested in moving to St. James’ Park.
Guehi was one of the best English players at Euro 2024 and has two years left on his contract at Palace, making it the ideal time for the Eagles to cash in.
Liverpool were linked with a move over the weekend, and Arsenal were also said to have shown an interest in the club at the start of the summer transfer window.
However, The Pitch Prospect believe that the Merseysiders are not interested in Guehi, leaving Newcastle free to snap up the dominant defender.
Palace signed Guehi from Chelsea for £18 million in 2021 and he has been a regular fixture since, making 150 Premier League appearances across three seasons.
A move would make Guehi Newcastle’s fifth signing of the summer, joining former Blues academy colleague Lewis Hall, who recently moved to the north-east permanently on loan for £35 million.
Palace, meanwhile, appear to be prepared for his departure, bringing defender Chadi Riad to Selhurst Park from Barcelona for £12 million plus £2 million in add-ons earlier this summer.
While talks with Guehi are at an advanced stage, Newcastle have a plan B in case the transfer falls through.
The Pitch Prospect has learned that Eddie Howe’s side could renew their interest in Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.
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The team from Tyneside had already negotiated a transfer of Gomez with the Reds at the beginning of the summer – Anthony Gordon, on the other hand, is likely to take the opposite path.
However, the negotiations ultimately failed, but Newcastle still admire the former Charlton player as he can be used anywhere in the defense.
Gomez’s future at Anfield remains uncertain, although he was open to a move to Newcastle at the start of the transfer window.
It remains to be seen where he fits in Arne Slot’s team. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will likely be his preferred centre-back duo.
With three years left on his contract in Merseyside, Liverpool are in no hurry to cash in on the 27-year-old.
Howe recently commented on Newcastle’s transfer dealings, telling fans that it could prove difficult to pull off a “blockbuster” transfer.
He said: “I think a blockbuster like this could be difficult. The rules have changed. The transfers have changed. I hope this is not permanent.”
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“I hope that over time we will improve our position to be able to sign players of this caliber. At the moment it is difficult for us.”
“We are in a time where we have to be very conscious of what we are doing financially. We have to plan ahead. But I hope it won’t stay like this forever.
“All markets [are being explored]but I think the free transfers are gone.
“We have one in Lloyd [Kelly] I think he’s brilliant, and there are a few others out there.
“But I think now it’s probably about signing players for money. Loans are always difficult.”