Newcastle United surrender lead in £75m transfer race - Premier League rival move ahead

Newcastle United tried - and failed - with several attempts to sign the England star over the summer. A month-long saga resulted in Guehi staying at Selhurst Park, with Eagles chairman Steve Parish demanding £75million.

Toon chiefs chose not to buckle under the pressure and keep their powder dry for the winter window. But failing to land a major signing in the summer window left a sour taste around Tyneside, with sporting director Paul Mitchell now under fire to deliver come January.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner rubbed salt into United’s wounds by insisting it was “never in doubt” that Guehi would stay. He said: “I can confirm (he will stay) but I was never in doubt. Congratulations to our owners because they didn't give in. 

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“Thank you to Marc, he was always open with me. All the rumours didn't influence his performances. He always told me that he's not pushing to leave Crystal Palace and that is always the most important thing for me."

As Guehi creeps into the final 18 months of his contract, the Eagles may be forced to lower their valuation. Newcastle were aware of this when quoted “superstar money” by Parish in August.

However, a major stumbling block for the Magpies could be Premier League heavyweights Liverpool. Football Insider claim the Reds are now the front-runners as they look to bolster their defensive reinforcements.

Losing Joel Matip in the summer has opened up a space in Liverpool’s squad, with Virgil van Dijk also coming towards the twilight of his career. The report goes as far as to suggest Guehi has already informed close friends he “would jump” at the chance to join the Merseyside club.