Danny Murphy makes exciting Marc Guehi claim, but fears Newcastle deal could be hijacked

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Newcastle United need players who improve their starting XI, and Marc Guehi is exactly that in the eyes of Danny Murphy.

The Magpies are aiming to sign the 24-year-old from Crystal Palace, with Marc Guehi keen to join Newcastle United.

It appears to be a deal that is heading in the right direction, after Newcastle’s opening offer for Guehi was rejected. A second offer is on the way, and hopefully it is one that Crystal Palace deem acceptable.

If Guehi does arrive, he will join a squad that has plenty of talented centre-backs. That is why Don Hutchison does not think Guehi is a smart signing for Newcastle.

But that is not a view shared by Danny Murphy, who believes that the England international is an upgrade on what Eddie Howe currently has at the back.

Danny Murphy backs Newcastle’s decision to bid for Marc Guehi

Murphy has appeared on TalkSPORT, and was asked by host Jim White if he thinks Guehi is a ‘top four Champions League chasing signing’ for the Magpies.

“Definitely,” he said.

“He’s better than what they’ve got.

“I actually like the Schar and Botman partnership. Obviously Botman got injured last season. Lascelles did alright when he came in. Burn filled in. Schar had a great season, but he’s getting on.

“If they want to be successful and plan for the future where they expect to be in European football then they need a bigger squad. Guehi is an upgrade on what they’ve got and he’s a top four player, that is for sure.”

Murphy thinks Newcastle’s Guehi fear could come true

But while Murphy does think that Guehi would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle United, he is not certain that the defender will end up on Tyneside.

When rumours of the Magpies’ interest emerged, it was reported that Newcastle were worried their Guehi move would be hijacked.

That is yet to happen, but Murphy has told TalkSPORT that he thinks Liverpool will end up making a move for the former Chelsea centre-back.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they [Liverpool] nick in on this deal for Guehi,” he said.

“Matip has gone. Gomez is looking like he wants to leave to get regular football. That only leaves Konate, Van Dijk and Quansah.

“If Liverpool want to be winning Champions Leagues and Premier Leagues again – I think they might come in for Guehi.”

Newcastle will be desperate to get this deal over the line

It was recently reported that Newcastle are growing in confidence about signing Guehi, as clubs like Liverpool are not planning to make a move.

The competition that was expected has not emerged, seemingly giving Newcastle a clear run at signing one of English football’s brightest defensive prospects.

But a deal is not finalised yet, and the fear of their bid being hijacked will be encouraging Toon officials to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

That is the aim, as Newcastle prepare to potentially break their transfer record to sign Guehi.

If they can complete a deal for Guehi, as well as Osula, Newcastle will turn their attention to outgoings.

It is imperative that Toon sporting director Paul Mitchell sells some players this summer, as Newcastle may need to raise cash to fund a deal for a new right winger.