Newcastle United given fresh Marc Guehi transfer hope as £45m replacement lined up

Crystal Palace are lining up a replacement for Marc Guehi with their captain set to depart within the next 12 months.

The England international is out of contract at Crystal Palace next summer and is of interest to several clubs, including Newcastle United, who tried - and failed - to sign him last summer.

Guehi was Eddie Howe’s top transfer target but sporting director Paul Mitchell, who was leading negotiations, walked away from a deal as Palace demanded between £60million to £70m. Heading into this summer, the defender is still firmly on United’s radar.

As it stands, it seems unlikely that Guehi will agree a new contract, meaning he can walk away for free in June next year. That puts the Eagles in a difficult position and should see them lower the 23-year-old’s price tag to avoid losing him on a Bosman.

Crystal Palace line up Marc Guehi replacement

The threat of Guehi leaving, either now or in 2026, has prompted Palace to look at replacements and according to the Daily Telegraph, a move for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande has been explored.

It is claimed Diomande is expected to cost at least £45m. The Ivory Coast international moved to Lisbon from FC Midtjylland in 2023 and is now viewed as one of Europe’s most highly-rated defenders having been tracked by multiple European clubs.

What have Crystal Palace said about Marc Guehi’s future?

Speaking at the beginning of April, Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted he was unsure if Guehi would extend his contract.

Glasner said: “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.”

What has Marc Guehi said about his Crystal Palace future?

After skippering Palace to their first ever trophy after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last month, Guehi was asked about his future but gave little away.

The former Chelsea academy graduate said: "I think the most important thing is just always doing the best that I can for this football club. I come in every day and I try to be the same.

"I try to work hard. And you know, this football club has given me a lot. I'm still under contract at this football club, so my focus is always at this football club. So, you know, for me, the most important is just doing the best I can and seeing where the future holds.”

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