Club now worried Newcastle are about to make a blockbuster offer and hijack their transfer target who is waiting for Newcastle move following Palace decision to keep hold of Marc Guehi ahead of PL opener
As the anticipation for the Premier League’s opening weekend builds, Newcastle United finds itself in a race against time to secure a new central defender. The Magpies are set to kick off their new season this Saturday with a home clash against newly promoted Southampton at St. James’ Park. Manager Eddie Howe will undoubtedly be eager for his team to hit the ground running, aiming to surpass last season’s achievements. However, despite their efforts, it seems increasingly likely that Newcastle will embark on this new campaign without the defensive reinforcement they’ve been vigorously pursuing.
Newcastle’s Pursuit of Marc Guehi Continues
Newcastle’s search for a central defender has been no secret, with their primary focus on securing Crystal Palace’s standout defender, Marc Guehi. Despite already having two bids turned down in this transfer window, Newcastle remains undeterred. The club has recently submitted a third bid, demonstrating their determination to bring Guehi to Tyneside.
The latest offer is reportedly an enticing one, with Newcastle proposing an initial fee of £55 million, potentially rising to £60 million with performance-related add-ons. Confidence within the club is growing that this bid could finally seal the deal. Discussions between the two clubs are ongoing, and Newcastle is optimistic that an agreement will soon be reached. Guehi, a 24-year-old defender who has impressed for both Crystal Palace and the England national team during this summer’s Euro 2024, is seen as an ideal addition to Newcastle’s backline. Yet, even with Guehi potentially on the verge of joining, the Magpies might still be on the lookout for further defensive reinforcements, particularly someone who could be acquired at a lower cost.
Bologna Fears Newcastle Could Hijack Logan Costa Deal
In addition to their pursuit of Guehi, Newcastle has already bolstered their defense this summer by bringing in Lloyd Kelly. However, the club’s defensive overhaul may not be complete just yet. Reports surfaced last week that Newcastle, alongside West Ham United, is interested in Toulouse’s promising defender, Logan Costa.
Serie A side Bologna has also expressed interest in Costa, but they’ve hesitated due to the financial demands. According to reports from *Il Resto del Carlino* via Sports Witness, Toulouse appears more inclined to negotiate with Newcastle, holding out for a substantial offer from the Premier League side. While Bologna has made an initial bid of €15 million (£13m), Toulouse is reportedly waiting for an offer in the region of €20 million to €25 million from Newcastle. This has left Bologna concerned that Newcastle might swoop in and finalize a deal for Costa, prompting the Italian club to explore alternative defensive options.
As things stand, Newcastle’s primary focus is on closing the deal for Guehi. However, with current first-choice center-backs Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman both sidelined by injury, it wouldn’t be surprising if Newcastle opts to bring in additional depth after securing Guehi. The coming days could prove pivotal for the Magpies as they aim to reinforce their defense ahead of what promises to be a challenging Premier League season.