EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle rule out Gordon sale with Guehi, Kulusevski and Neto on radar

Newcastle United have no interest in selling Anthony Gordon this summer and consider the matter to be closed despite ongoing links with Liverpool, while Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has emerged as a centre-back target.

A number of reports have suggested over the past week that the Reds remain keen on the winger, but any possibility of him leaving the club was put to bed when our PSR fears were satisfied following the sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson at the end of June.

Liverpool attempted to exploit our desperate need for cash a month ago - selling Gordon at the time was only considered as a last resort to avoid a breach of rules and hefty points deduction - but that window of panic and uncertainty has now passed.

Gordon is due back on Tyneside next week and Eddie Howe remains adamant that he's fully committed to the club, despite suggestions his head was turned by the prospect of a return to Merseyside. As revealed by The Athletic's George Caulkin, Newcastle plan to sit down with the 23-year-old to discuss a contract extension and well-deserved pay-rise after his outstanding 2023/24 campaign and breakthrough into the England side.

With William Osula closing in on a £10m move from Sheffield United to offer us a third option up top behind Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, Newcastle realise they still have work to do - a young right-footed centre-back and quality right-winger remain our top priorities - so the prospect of selling a star man in Gordon will not be entertained, with the club keen to explain the situation that unfolded at the end of June to the man himself.

As for incomings, while Malick Thiaw remains a target - NUFC Blog were the first to reveal Newcastle's interest in the AC Milan centre-back way back in June last year - Newcastle have also shown serious interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, with Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande another option that's been discussed.

Guehi is out of contract in two years time and is yet to sign an extension at Selhurst Park. Eddie Howe is a big admirer of the centre-back, who is comfortable playing on either side and represented by the same agency (Unique Sports Group) that look after Anthony Gordon, Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, Jamaal Lascelles and Isaac Hayden, with Gordon USG's most valuable client. Gordon has previously spoken highly of Guehi, revealing that he'd "love him" on Tyneside when discussing his England teammate in an interview during Euro 2024.

Newcastle's leading target in their search for a new right-winger is not clear, but we can reveal that Wolves' Pedro Neto and Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski are two players who have been watched and discussed by the club's recruitment team.

It's not clear how Paul Mitchell's arrival will have changed our plans on this front - he pushed for the signing of Will Osula and will have his own targets in mind to present to Eddie Howe - but Neto and Kulusevski could be ones to watch, with Bryan Mbeumo another intriguing option despite Brentford's reluctance to sell both he and Ivan Toney this summer.

Neto's injury issues are a concern after two serious hamstring problems disrupted his 2023/24 campaign. Newcastle are unlikely to break the bank for the Portuguese international for this reason and the free-spending Chelsea are considering a bid, but his pace, ability to play down both flanks, potential and Premier League experience does appeal, with Wolves open to his sale if a big offer arrives.

Kulusevski ticks several boxes as a tall, robust and hard-working winger who also offers versatility and a quality left foot. He too is 24 - a good age as Newcastle look to lower the age of their current squad - and knows Alexander Isak from their time in the Sweden. However, he would not come cheap and his impressive pre-season will only increase Spurs' reluctance to sell.

Newcastle are attempting to move players on to create space in the squad, raise additional funds and reduce an increasingly inflated wage bill, but it's proving difficult to move on high-earning fringe men such as Matt Targett, Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Isaac Hayden, with the futures of Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff remaining uncertain.

Martin Dubravka is expected to move on soon and the signing of another goalkeeper has not been ruled out. Newcastle could revisit talks for Burnley stopper James Trafford, with Odysseas Vlachodimos' performances being monitored. The club had a bid in the region of £16m rejected in June, as Burnley were holding out for a fee in excess of £20m