Newcastle United are hoping to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, and that dream might now be a little closer to becoming a reality.
The 24-year-old has emerged as Newcastle United‘s top defensive target, as Eddie Howe aims to sign a right-sided centre-back.
Marc Guehi is keen to sign for Newcastle, as Toon officials gain confidence that a deal is going to be completed. Personal terms are not going to be a problem, while Newcastle seem ready to pay big money to land the England international.
It has been reported that a second offer is on the way, after Newcastle’s first Guehi bid was rejected by Palace. That was reportedly close to Palace’s £65million valuation, but seemingly not close enough.
Crystal Palace move to sign Marc Guehi replacement
While negotiations continue, Crystal Palace appear to be preparing to lose one of their top stars.
If Guehi goes, they will need to replace him, and it looks like they are already trying to do just that.
According to French website L’Equipe, Crystal Palace are in talks with Wolfsburg to sign Maxence Lacroix.
They report that the French centre-back is in the final year of his Wolfsburg contract and will not be signing an extension, which means he will be sold this summer.
L’Equipe add that Palace are leading the race to sign the 24-year-old, as they aim to bring Lacroix to Selhurst Park.
Those talks could accelerate Newcastle deal
The fact that Palace are aiming to sign a centre-back could be seen as an acceptance that Guehi is leaving.
And if their move to land Lacroix moves in the right direction, it could speed up Guehi’s transfer to Tyneside.
For Palace, they will see it as good business. They are on course to make a huge profit on Guehi, and are aiming to replace him with a highly rated Frenchman who is the same age and will be much cheaper. Interestingly, Lacroix was linked with Newcastle in 2022, before Sven Botman arrived at the club.
As for Newcastle, getting Guehi is a statement of intent. He will be a marquee addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, and his arrival should mean that the Magpies have their back four sorted for the foreseeable future
With Guehi joining Tino Livramento, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall, Newcastle have a defensive line that is very young but extremely talented. It has experience too in the heart of defence, despite Guehi and Botman only being 24-years-old.
There will be delight on Tyneside if Guehi arrives, and that suddenly feels even more likely now that Palace are aiming to bring in a new centre-back to take his place.
