Newcastle United receive Crystal Palace apology over ‘100% done’ Marc Guehi claim

Crystal Palace legend Clinton Morrison has apologised to Newcastle United supporters after insisting Marc Guehi’s arrival was a done deal.

A month-long transfer saga saw the Magpies try - and fail - to sign the Palace and England defender. Toon chiefs made as many as four attempts to sign Guehi, who starred for the Three Lions at Euro 2024.

But his £75million price tag repelled interest, with Palace chairman Steve Parish insisting “superstar money” was needed to sign the 24-year-old. The Eagles now run the risk of losing Guehi at a discount as he has less than two years on his contract to run.

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Putting all their eggs into Guehi’s basket meant Newcastle suffered a lacklustre summer widow. No further signings were made, leaving Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer as the only notable addition.

This has led to questions being asked of the Toon hierarchy for the first time since the Saudi-backed takeover. PIF governor and club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan jetted into Tyneside for the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Former Palace striker Morrison previously claimed Guehi to Newcastle was “100 per cent” done - and he has now said sorry for his mistake. The 45-year-old told Sky Sports: "I have to apologise because I came out here and said it was 100% done. Listen, you know I have got my inside scoops. I thought it was 100 per cent (done).

"You have to realise in football the goalposts move. When you lose Joachim Andersen and your new signing, (Chadi) Riad, picks up an injury, then you're in trouble. That's two centre-halves."