Liverpool 'drop price' for Newcastle United and Fulham 'target' as Magpies assess Marc Guehi alternative
Newcastle could return their attentions to a familiar target as talks over a Marc Guehi transfer continue to stall
Premier League heavyweights Liverpool have reportedly dropped their asking price for Newcastle United-linked defender Joe Gomez.
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The 27-year-old was notably left out of Liverpool’s squad during Saturday’s opening day win at Ipswich Town, with new manager Arne Slot preferring a starting partnership of Virgil Van Dijk and Jarrel Quansah in defence, with substitute Ibrahim Konate also coming on to the pitch at half time.
Gomez was lauded for his consistency last season under Jurgen Klopp. The London-born defender thrived as both a centre back and a left back throughout the season, making a total of 32 appearances in the league to help his team to a third place finish. This form prompted a first England call-up in four years and saw Gomez ultimately make Gareth Southgate’s final squad for Euro 2024 as the Three Lions reached the final of the competition.
Gomez has been heavily linked with Newcastle throughout the summer. Back in June he saw a reported £45m move to St James’ Park fall through at the final moment as part of an ambitious effort from the Anfield club to land Anthony Gordon.
The late sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson alleviated Newcastle’s need to raise funds for Gordon and in recent weeks the Magpies have diverted their attention towards fellow England defender Marc Guehi. As it stands, the Magpies are pushing hard to land the Crystal Palace star despite three failed offers. The Eagles are currently believed to be pondering a fourth offer for the star which reportedly is close to their asking price of £65m.
However, as negotiations with Guehi continue to drag out there is a growing realisation from Newcastle’s recruitment team that they will need to be monitoring alternative targets, as per The Athletic. Gomez is understood to be high on Newcastle’s shortlist along with Toulouse star Logan Costa, and recent reports from Mail Sport now suggest that Liverpool would be willing to do business on a cut-price deal of £35m, which is a £10m drop from their initial asking price of £45m.
Newcastle are one of the frontrunners for Gomez’s signature. However, TeamTalk claims that Fulham, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the England international’s availability.
Newcastle are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements following the injuries sustained by Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles at the end of last season while Fabian Schar’s opening day sending off against Southampton has left the Magpies with further shortages in the centre back position.