Newcastle United transfer update will disappoint supporters as club-record deal 'close'


Talks are continuing between the Magpies and Crystal Palace over Marc Guehi and the noises are that an agreement is close, although we have been here before.
Palace have turned down multiple bids from United, the most recent a guaranteed £60million plus £5m in add-ons. The Mail Online was the first report that conversations are centred around a £70m package, which would be a club-record signing for Newcastle - surpassing the £63m paid for Alexander Isak two years ago - and represent Palace’s biggest-ever sale.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad

Howe said “I am not going to comment on individual players” when questioned about Guehi directly. But if a deal is finally agreed, the Euro 2024 star is likely to be the only high profile incoming.
When asked if Newcastle could sign sign a centre-back AND winger this week, Howe replied: “Probably not, no.”
The answer will disappoint fans, who recognise the right wing position it is the only area that is yet to be strengthened since the Saudi-led takeover nearly three years ago. Both Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron were signed by Rafa Benitez.
Howe was then asked what position he’d prefer to strengthen to which he said: “I can understand the question, but there is always a level of respect that needs to be shown to your existing members in your squad.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I respect every player we have in every position. That is not for me to answer. We are trying to strengthen the group and make the right decisions and bring the right players in.”
Newcastle have left it late to sign Guehi - or anyone else for that matter - having first entered negotiations three weeks ago. Did Howe envisage this scenario?
"From my side, when you go into the window you have an idea of what is going to happen and the parameters you are working in,” he said “There was always every chance this was going to be a difficult one for us. A difficult one to navigate for a host of reasons. So I'm not totally surprised.
“I think, when you're in my shoes, you want the squad together as early as possible so you can mould the squad and get used to personalities coming in.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“There are challenges when you bring players in late as it brings uncertainty and a lack of clarity. But we are working through that. We've got a few days left and I'm hopeful.”
He added: "There's no problem with backing or support. There never has been. It's the [PSR] rules we're trying to abide by and every decision we make has a consequence for the future so we have got to make sure we are making wise decisions and not leaving ourselves in a vulnerable position again further down the line. That's why these decisions are complex.
“It's not quite as simple as being backed. There's backing there. Everyone wants the same result at the football club, but it's making the best decisions for the long-term."
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.