Newcastle United are struggling to afford Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
The Magpies have been relentlessly chasing the 24-year-old defender for almost three weeks now, but have been unable to agree a fee with Crystal Palace.
The Eagles are looking for more than £65million for Marc Guehi, while Newcastle United are eyeing up alternatives.
Marc Guehi remains the Magpies’ top target, but time is running out. Newcastle are going to pull out of the Guehi deal if there is no agreement before the weekend, with the transfer window set to close on August 30th.
With that in mind, Paul Mitchell is lining up some alternatives – just in case the worst happens and Newcastle United do have to end their pursuit of Guehi.
Newcastle turn to Edmond Tapsoba and Axel Disasi
The new alternatives on Newcastle’s radar are Edmond Tapsoba and Axel Disasi, with the Athletic reporting that the Magpies are interested in both players.
The latter is probably more attainable, with Chelsea willing to sell Disasi. However, the former is the more exciting target after his exploits with Bayer Leverkusen. Tapsoba helped Xabi Alonso’s side win the Bundesliga title, and they are now preparing to compete in the Champions League.
That might make it difficult for Newcastle land the 25-year-old, while Tapsoba’s £81million release clause is also a concern.
Keith Downie shares update on Newcastle’s interest in Tapsoba
However, it would appear that Newcastle can potentially land Tapsoba for a much smaller fee than that.
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who has provided an update on Newcastle United’s centre-back pursuit.
He wrote on X: “Newcastle have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over defender Edmond Tapsoba. An approach has been made to the German club for the 25-year-old Burkina Faso international as per @David_Ornstein. #NUFC have also enquired to Chelsea over Axel Disasi. Paul Mitchell knows Disasi from his time at Monaco. Both players would cost less than Marc Guehi & allow for money to be spent in forward area. The £65m move for Guehi is still live but Newcastle understandably exploring other options due to stand-off with Crystal Palace.”
Tapsoba not as expensive as first feared
Given how big Tapsoba’s release clause is, the fear was that he would be out of Newcastle United’s price range.
However, Keith Downie does not believe that will be the case. He has reported that both Tapsoba and Disasi will cost less than Guehi, whose £65million move to St James’ Park hangs in the balance.
If Newcastle do decide to go for Tapsoba or Disasi, it will mean they have more money to spend elsewhere. That could be extremely beneficial, as it is very clear that Eddie Howe needs a right winger before the transfer window closes next week.
There are a lot of spinning plates at Newcastle United right now, as they aim to secure a centre-back. Guehi has been the top target, but Paul Mitchell has alternatives.
And while his history with Disasi could play into Newcastle’s hands, it is the deal for Tapsoba that is the most appealing.
If Mitchell can get him for less money than Guehi then it feels like a no-brainer for Newcastle United.
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