Newcastle Closing In On England Defender Marc Guehi From Crystal Palace

Newcastle is cautiously optimistic that Marc Guéhi will be an integral part of Eddie Howe’s squad at the start of the season.

Negotiations with Crystal Palace over the England defender’s proposed £60m-plus move are believed to be progressing well and, crucially, Guéhi has indicated he is extremely keen on relocating to St James’ Park.

The 24-year-old is set to return to Crystal Palace’s first-team squad for pre-season training on Wednesday following his participation with England in this summer’s European Championship in Germany, but he may soon be move to Tyneside.

Although an agreement is still to be reached with Palace and, until certain details are finalised, the move remains in danger of being hijacked, Newcastle are in touching distance of completing a marquee signing.

Guéhi was one of the best performers in Gareth Southgate’s side at Euro 2024 and is regarded as an ideal long-term partner for Sven Botman at St James’ Park. With Botman recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament repair, recruiting a central defender has been a priority for Howe and Newcastle’s manager will hope that a deal for Oliver Glasner’s key Palace defender could be completed this weekend.

Despite Palace having rejected Newcastle’s first offer last week, it appears they are inclined to sell a player who has two years left on his contract and seems eager to leave.

A transfer to the north-east, especially with Guéhi gaining attention from several clubs, including Liverpool, would be a significant achievement for Paul Mitchell, Newcastle’s new sporting director.

It would also reassure Howe of the Saudi Arabian-owned club’s ambition at a time when he looms large on the Football Association’s shortlist to replace Southgate as England manager.