Newcastle United are actively exploring alternatives in case they are not able to agree a deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
The north-east club have submitted an improved third offer for Guehi, after last week’s news that they had bid for the 24-year-old.
The view from Newcastle is that they are unwilling to wait too long to secure Guehi’s signature as they seek to strengthen their defence. The Premier League season begins this weekend and Eddie Howe wants defensive reinforcements brought in swiftly and, should Newcastle wait too long, they risk missing out on potential alternatives.
Guehi joined Palace in an £18m move from Chelsea in the summer of 2021 and is under contract until June 2026. He has made 111 appearances for Palace since and was named vice-captain at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
Guehi enjoyed a stellar campaign at the European Championship, starting six of England’s seven games en route to the final, missing the quarter-final win over Switzerland through suspension.
Newcastle have already strengthened their defence this summer following the arrival of the versatile Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth on a free transfer with Lewis Hall’s loan move from Chelsea also made permanent. The Athletic has previously reported that Newcastle remain keen to side a right-sided centre-back.
Palace, meanwhile, signed centre-back Chadi Riad, who spent last season on loan at Real Betis from Barcelona, earlier this transfer window. They have also seen fellow defender Joachim Andersen the subject of a £20m bid from Fulham. Palace, though, value the Dane closer to £40m.
GO DEEPER
Why Marc Guehi is in demand: Breaks opposition lines, wins ground duels and leads
(Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
