Newcastle line up £35m ‘alternative’ Marc Guehi target as attempts to land Crystal Palace star continue

Newcastle United are actively assessing a number of alternative centre back options to Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi in the event that negotiations between the two parties break down.

The Magpies are desperate to strengthen their defensive options this summer after conceding 62 times in 38 top-flight matches last season. 

Injuries to the imperious Sven Botman and club captain Jamaal Lascelles were amongst those to hit the club hardest during the latter half of last season, and although Lloyd Kelly has been added on a free transfer from Bournemouth, there is still a feeling that Newcastle’s backline is light on options if they are to achieve their goal of once again qualifying for the Champions League.

Guehi is seen as the perfect remedy to Newcastle’s defensive frailties. The 24-year-old has thrived in the top-flight for the last five seasons at Crystal Palace and has also been credited for his tremendous leadership at such a young age. The centre back formed part of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 team which reached a final for the first time on foreign soil and was one of the stars of the tournament for the Three Lions in Germany.

Crystal Palace, after a strong end to last season, had been keen to keep Guehi on board. However, the young defender has been reluctant to extend his contract at Selhurst Park beyond 2026, prompting a feeling from the Eagles hierarchy that now is the best time to cash in.

As it stands, Newcastle have submitted three offers to sign Guehi, which have been well documented by both the Athletic and Sky Sports News. Newcastle’s second unsuccessful bid was in the region of £50m and it is suspected that Palace are holding out for a figure of around £65m. It is not yet clear whether Newcastle’s third bid meets Palace’s asking price or whether they have attempted to negotiate a lower fee, but ultimately there remains a sense of optimism that a deal can be struck.

Signing a centre back is paramount to Newcastle’s chances of success this term, particularly at a time where Botman and Lascelles are both expected to miss several months with the ACL injuries sustained from last year. The Magpies cannot afford to go into the new season without at least one new signing in that area and The Athletic understands that Newcastle are drafting up a list of alternative targets in case a deal for Guehi breaks down.

One possible name on that list is AC Milan star Malick Thiaw. The 23-year-old German international, who excelled against the Magpies in the Champions League group stage, has been heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park throughout the summer for a reported £35m fee. Mail Sport journalist Sami Mokbe, who has been covering Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi, understands that the AC Milan defender remains an option, although he is currently very settled at the San Siro.

Guehi’s centre back partner Joachim Andersen has also emerged as a potential target, according to TBR Football. The 28-year-old is currently the subject of a £20m bid from Fulham and has been a vital part of the Palace backline for several seasons.

The 28-year-old ranks in the top six per cent for clearances per 90 compared to his positional peers around Europe. Further, he sits in the top four per cent for expected assisted goals, evincing his playmaking ability from deep.

Palace, however, are unlikely to part with both defenders and it is likely that Newcastle will only move for Andersen if a deal for Guehi is to break down. According to reports, the Danish international is valued at around £40m.