Chelsea can use clause to block Newcastle United transfer after £18m Aston Villa deal

Newcastle remain in talks with Crystal Palace over a fee but there are conflicting reports over where a potential deal is at. The Telegraph claim a deal is on course to be confirmed before the weekend while Sky Sports News have played down suggestions that an agreement is close.

There is, however, an understanding that personal terms wouldn’t be a problem. Guehi previous spoke highly about the experience of playing at St James’ Park and got on well with Anthony Gordon during England’s Euro 2024 campaign.

Guehi has been linked with several other top level clubs, including Chelsea. If Newcastle agree a fee then the Blues will have a decision to make. When they sold the centre-back to Palace for £18million 2021, a matching rights clause was negotiated into the agreement, as per The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Such move has already taken place this summer when Aston Villa re-signed Jaden Philogene from Hull City after Ipswich Town initially agreed an £18m deal. Palace are said to value Guehi around £65m.

Eddie Howe’s side have signed Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth this summer but are in the market for another centre-back with both Jamaal Lascelles sidelined until later this year because of ACL injuries.

United have also tracked AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, whose agent was forced to deny that a transfer to St James’ Park was close last week.