Newcastle lining up a fresh bid for former top target - The Times

Amidst a disastrous transfer window, which has only seen two senior signings brought in so far, Newcastle United is desperately in need for a new big name to be brought in.

Whilst the primary focus looks to be on one or both of Benjamin Sesko and Yoane Wissa, the defence and midfield are also crying out for reinforcements after they've been neglected by the recruitment team.

And one former top target could be the answer to the club's problems this window, which would be a true statement signing if we were able to finally secure his signature.

It would take us beating some other Premier League rivals to sign him, but at arguably his lowest ever price, it's an opportunity our recruitment team simply can't
miss out on.

Magpies spark fresh interest in Marc Guehi?

According to The Times' Martin Hardy, Newcastle are eyeing up a sensational return bid for Marc Guehi, as the Crystal Palace centre-back still faces an uncertain future at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles value their captain at £50m, but Hardy claims we won't offer more than £40m as Guehi heads into the final year of his current contract.

We may also be looking to act much later in the transfer window to try and force Palace's hand, with Liverpool also keen on the defender but not wanting to overpay.

Guehi was of course subject to three dramatic bids last summer, which Palace eventually pulled out of - a move that chairman Steve Parish reportedly took great pride in wasting our time.

It was an embarrassing saga that tarnished the reputation of former sporting director Paul Mitchell, but it would be even more embarrassing if we again try to lowball Palace and miss out on a key target.

Is defence a real priority at Newcastle right now?

Despite supposedly having a financial war chest ready to spend this summer, we're still keen not to indulge in too much lavish spending, and want to continue focusing on smart, financially-sensible signings.

But with Alexander Isak's future at St James' Park still uncertain, we can expect the majority of any funds spent this summer on a premium replacement for the Swede.

So from there, do we prioritise budget signings across the squad? Or another premium option in the midfield or defence?

We do have the unfortunate status of having more goalkeepers on the books than we do healthy midfielders, but the age and fitness surrounding or current centre-back options would strongly suggest that moving for Guehi should be top priority.