Newcastle United get Marc Guehi go-ahead as Palace line up ambitious replacement
Crystal Palace are reportedly preparing for the possible departure of star defender Marc Guehi, with growing interest from Newcastle United prompting the Eagles to make early moves in the transfer market. In a proactive step, the South London club has set its sights on Sporting CP’s highly rated centre-back Ousmane Diomande, indicating they may be ready to cash in on Guehi this summer.
The Eagles successfully fended off Newcastle’s advances for Guehi last summer, but the landscape has shifted significantly over the past 12 months. Guehi, now 24, is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, and with no new deal agreed, Palace face the prospect of losing him for a reduced fee next year — or worse, for nothing if he runs down his contract. With that in mind, Palace are reportedly open to negotiating a deal in the region of £50 million for the England international.
Newcastle United remain long-time admirers of Guehi and view him as a key defensive target ahead of the new season. Eddie Howe and his recruitment team have continued to monitor the former Chelsea academy graduate, believing he fits the club’s profile perfectly. Guehi boasts extensive Premier League experience, has already broken into the England national team, and is still approaching his peak years — qualities that align with Newcastle’s vision of building a sustainable, elite-level squad.
Although the Magpies are working with a somewhat restricted transfer budget this summer, club sources have suggested there is room to invest significantly in improving the first-team squad — particularly as they prepare for a return to the Champions League. Crucially, Newcastle are not under immediate pressure to sell players to fund arrivals, which gives them flexibility in pursuing high-profile targets like Guehi.
However, they are under no illusions about the cost of signing a proven Premier League defender. With homegrown players commanding a premium, the £50 million asking price for Guehi is seen as steep but not unreasonable given his age, profile, and international pedigree.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi could receive a major boost if Palace succeed in their own transfer ambition. Reports suggest that the Eagles are pushing ahead with an aggressive £45 million bid for 21-year-old Ivorian centre-back Ousmane Diomande. The Sporting defender has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs — including Newcastle — following a breakout season in the Portuguese top flight.
Diomande, who still has two years remaining on his current contract, impressed in Lisbon last season with his composure, strength, and potential, making him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe. Arsenal had previously expressed interest, but Palace are now said to be leading the race, with hopes of securing an early breakthrough in the transfer window.
Although Palace are not facing immediate pressure under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), a successful move for Diomande would likely pave the way for Guehi’s departure. In addition to Newcastle, both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the England international’s situation closely.
Interestingly, Tottenham’s transfer plans may now face disruption following their decision to part ways with head coach Ange Postecoglou. Until a new managerial appointment is made, Spurs could struggle to advance in negotiations for major signings — a factor that might give Newcastle a valuable head start in the race for Guehi’s signature.
As for Newcastle’s own transfer activity, the club has yet to make any high-profile senior signings, though they did recently welcome promising young forward Antonio Cordero to the club. Additionally, they have been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, as they explore ways to add pace and depth to their attacking options.
Time is of the essence, however. The current transfer window temporarily closes on June 10 for a short, mandated pause, before reopening on Monday, June 16. With no competitive matches on the horizon until their first pre-season fixture against Celtic on July 19, Newcastle have the luxury of patience, but their recruitment team is eager to lay the groundwork early and secure key signings ahead of schedule.
In what promises to be a decisive few weeks, the Magpies will hope their long-standing interest in Guehi finally pays off — especially if Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Diomande accelerates the England defender’s availability on the market.