Marc Guehi move not dead? - Crystal Palace issue update on Newcastle target
Despite Fabian Schar signing a new one-year deal last week, it's almost certain that we'll see a new centre-back arrive at Newcastle United this summer.
Several names have been linked in recent months, with Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen emerging as an ambitious target, but one name we can't forget about is Marc Guehi.
The club spent the final weeks of last summer attempting to land the Crystal Palace captain, and although it ended in defeat, it will be interesting to see if Paul Mitchell reignites our interest in the coming months.
Guehi update from Palace boss
Last August, The Telegraph reported that Newcastle's final offer for Marc Guehi stood at £65m including add-ons - but a £5m stand off dragged on as Palace demanded a £70m package.
That now seems huge money for a player who is out of contract in just over 12 months time, especially when there is no sign of a renewal based on the latest update.
The Athletic report that we remain interested in the Eagles skipper and Palace boss Oliver Glasner has issued an update on Guehi's contract situation, revealing that talks are yet to take place over a renewal:
“We haven’t just started talking about his contract. The talks were going on even before I arrived – for more than two years now. Marc is thinking what is best for his personal career and this is what we have to accept.
“I don’t know [if he will sign a new deal]. I don’t think about what happens in summer. On the 26th of May, I will turn my phone off for one or two weeks and then we will see what happens.
“Everybody knows he is a great footballer and great character. Let’s see what happens. But, of course, no manager would want to lose their captain. It will be Marc’s decision, but I know that he is so focused on improving his game and our game. It has no influence on his performances.”
Reading between the lines and considering he's yet to sign, I think a summer move looks on the cards for Guehi. The question is, will we return to the table or has Paul Mitchell lined up an alternative of his own?
Worth the wait?
If a suitable price can be negotiated now his contract is running down and we can still find our way into next season's Champions League, Newcastle may be glad they didn't pay upwards of £65m last summer.
However, if Palace's demands do drop significantly in light of his contract status, we can expect a queue of Premier League clubs to enter the bidding.
Chelsea have already been credited with a move, as have Liverpool - who may need to replace Van Dijk - and Spurs.
So, waiting could save us a fortunate and see us bring in a proven, young Premier League centre-back who is also a leader, or force us to look elsewhere should our 'big six' rivals create a bidding war.
