Newcastle United have just over 48 hours to sign a centre-back, and it might not necessarily be Marc Guehi.
The Crystal Palace defender has been Newcastle United‘s top target for almost a month, yet still Toon officials are unable to agree a deal for Marc Guehi.
There was hope earlier on Wednesday that Newcastle were suddenly close to signing Guehi, but it remains to be seen if he will arrive at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have not made a fresh offer for Guehi, and now an alternative could be targeted ahead of the transfer window closing at 11pm on Friday, August 30th.
Newcastle looking at Marc Guehi alternative
RB Leipzig centre-back Mohamed Simakan is suddenly a man in demand.
He was linked with Newcastle last week, while Fabrizio Romano has stated that Al-Nassr are in talks about bringing Simakan to Saudi Arabia.
That story was rather interesting, given the fact that Al-Nassr are owned by PIF – just like Newcastle United.
That could lead to a potentially awkward scenario, as the Magpies are still in the mix for the 24-year-old.
That is according to the Guardian’s Ed Aarons, who has taken to X to comment on Newcastle’s interest in Simakan and how much the defender could cost.
He wrote on X: “RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan is an alternative for Newcastle if they fail to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The French defender is also wanted by Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, who have opened talks with Leipzig over a potential move. They want about €50m for the 24-year-old.”
Mohamad Simakan deal could create an opportunity for Newcastle
€50million converts to £42million, which would make Simakan much cheaper than Guehi.
The England international will cost the Magpies a club record fee, with Crystal Palace aiming to receive £70million for Guehi.
That is slightly more than what Newcastle have been willing to pay, with their most recent offer worth around £65million.
There is a bit of an impasse with regards to the fee, and that could lead Paul Mitchell towards a cheaper alternative – and it could also create opportunity.
If Newcastle decide to scrap their Guehi interest and move for Simakan then they could save more than £20million. That might open up the possibility of another player arriving before the transfer window closes, with Newcastle keen to sign a winger.
Ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Nottingham Forest, Eddie Howe stated that Newcastle probably will not be able to sign both, but that could potentially change if Simakan becomes the primary centre-back target.
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