'Soon' - Fabrizio Romano delivers big Crystal Palace update as Newcastle United eye Marc Guehi

The Magpies have had two bids rejected for the England centre-back but are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days.

Palace have set an initial price tag of £65million, which, if agreed, would be a club-record transfer for Newcastle. New sporting director Paul Mitchell is handling negotiations on United’s behalf, while Eagles co-owner Steve Parish is in charge on the other side.

Sources in London claim Palace are keen to keep hold of Guehi and will offer him a new contract, which currently expires 2026, should he remain at Selhurst Park beyond the summer transfer window.

But the possibility of him leaving isn’t being ruled out with Palace already looking at potential replacements. And according to Fabrizio Romano, two of the players under consideration are Bayer Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou and Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix.

Romano posted on X: “Understand Crystal Palace are considering Odilon Kossounou as well as Maxence Lacroix as centre back options. It all depends on Marc Guehi exit with Newcastle set to bid again soon.”

Newcastle have already signed Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth this summer but want another centre-back with both Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman sidelined with long-term knee injuries.

And Guehi has emerged as the number one target following his impressive showing at Euro 2024.

Asked about potential incomings at the weekend, Howe said: “For me, I’m focusing on the players we do have. The games are challenging enough so my energy is towards Southampton and making sure we’re ready for the game.

“Other people are working away on various things behind the scenes. I’ll let them do that and I’ll focus on the team.”

Prior to holding talks over Guehi, United were strongly linked with AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.