Newcastle United ‘Still Hopeful’ of Signing £45m Premier League defender | OneFootball

Centre-back Target Takes Centre Stage at St James’ Park

Newcastle United are pressing ahead with efforts to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, as Eddie Howe recalibrates the club’s summer priorities. Following the pursuit of forward reinforcements, internal discussions have shifted firmly towards securing a top-level centre-back, with Guehi emerging as the key target.

Sources close to the recruitment process indicate that Guehi has long been on Newcastle’s radar, and with his contract at Selhurst Park entering its final year, the timing could now be ideal. While Palace have shown resistance in the past—rejecting a £70million offer from Tottenham Hotspur in January—the Magpies remain undeterred and are preparing a renewed approach.

Howe Looking to Bolster Defence After Attacking Additions

Eddie Howe has already overseen significant attacking investment this summer, including a £55million bid for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. Alongside the arrival of teenage prospect Antonio Cordero—who turned down heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona to join Newcastle—the club’s attention is now firmly on the backline.

There is a growing belief among Newcastle’s hierarchy that a marquee centre-back is essential to provide depth and competition in defence, particularly with Champions League football returning to Tyneside. Guehi is seen as an ideal profile to complement Sven Botman, while also putting pressure on Dan Burn and Fabian Schär.

At just 24, Guehi already possesses the experience and leadership qualities that appeal to Howe. He featured 44 times in all competitions last season and played a pivotal role in Palace’s FA Cup-winning campaign—highlighting his durability and consistency.

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Guehi’s Contract Situation Creates Window of Opportunity

While Crystal Palace remain reluctant to part with one of their most prized assets, Guehi’s contractual status adds a layer of intrigue. With just 12 months left on his current deal, the Eagles face the difficult decision of whether to cash in this summer or risk losing the England international on a free transfer next year.

Palace chairman Steve Parish has publicly referred to Guehi as a “superstar”, underlining his importance to the squad. But there’s a growing awareness that Newcastle may look to exploit the situation with a structured offer that reflects both the player’s ability and the risk facing Palace.

From Newcastle’s perspective, Guehi represents not just a defensive upgrade, but also a strategic acquisition for the long term. His Premier League pedigree, combined with his international experience, ticks all the boxes for a club looking to cement its status among the division’s elite.

Magpies Determined to Strengthen Before Season Kick-Off

With the Premier League campaign set to begin against Aston Villa, Newcastle are keen to finalise key additions in the coming weeks. Although securing Elanga remains a priority, there is a clear intent to deliver a defensive signing of similar magnitude.

Howe views the backline as an area requiring immediate attention, and Guehi remains the preferred candidate. Whether a deal can be struck depends on Palace’s willingness to negotiate, but Newcastle are expected to test their resolve as the window progresses.

Should a compromise be reached, Guehi would not only bring quality but also balance to a Newcastle squad that continues to evolve under Howe’s management. The next few weeks will be critical as the Magpies look to shape a squad capable of challenging both domestically and in Europe.