Newcastle United targeting ‘Champions League quality’ signing to succeed Fabian Schar

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Marc Guehi would be a statement signing and is “better” than current Newcastle United defenders.

Toon chiefs are understood to have seen two offers rejected for the Crystal Palace centre-back. The second bid, dismissed on Thursday, was reportedly worth around £50million.

Palace are holding out for £65million following Guehi’s heroics at Euro 2024 with England. With two years on his contract, the Eagles know this is likely the last time they can receive a monstrous offer.

Newcastle are the only club to make a concrete approach but Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the defender. The Reds, in particular, are short of backline options after Joel Matip's exit on a free transfer.

Long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have also pushed Newcastle's need for a centre-back further up the priority list. Speaking to talkSPORT, ex-Reds star Murphy hailed Guehi as a potential game-changer for the Magpies with top-four credentials.

“If spoken about him long before he played in the Euros,” he said. “He’s a terrific player. He confirmed that while playing under pressure in a tournament.

“He’s calm, quick (and) two-footed. I’ve got no doubt there’ll be clubs other than Newcastle in for him. He’s better than what they have. 

“I actually like the (Fabian) Schar and (Sven) Botman partnership, but if they want to be successful and plan for the future where they expect to be, they’ll need a bigger squad. But Guehi is an upgrade on what they have and he’s a top-four player, that’s for sure.”