Newcastle Makes £55m Bid for Defender Marc Guehi

Newcastle United has submitted an enhanced offer of £55 million for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with the potential for the total to rise to £60 million based on performance-related add-ons. This latest bid follows a previous offer of £48 million, which was rejected by Palace. The negotiations are being led by Newcastle's sporting director, Paul Mitchell, who has communicated the new proposal to Palace officials. Eddie Howe, Newcastle's head coach, has identified Guehi as his top target for central defense as the club prepares for the upcoming season. However, there is a growing recognition that Newcastle may need to explore alternative options if Palace remains firm in their refusal to sell. One potential alternative is AC Milan's Malick Thiaw, although he is reportedly hesitant to leave the San Siro, especially with Milan competing in the Champions League. Guehi's contract with Palace has less than two years remaining, allowing him to negotiate a free transfer as early as January 2026. To prevent this scenario, Palace is considering offering Guehi a lucrative new contract to secure his long-term future at the club. Meanwhile, Fulham's recent £20 million bid for Guehi's defensive partner, Joachim Andersen, could further complicate the situation, as Palace has already rejected this approach. Should Guehi leave, Palace head coach Oliver Glasner is keen to sign Wolfsburg's Maxence Lacroix, with whom he has a prior working relationship. Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah is also being considered as a potential replacement for Guehi.