Newcastle United are considering alternatives to Marc Guehi.
The Crystal Palace defender is still the Magpies’ top target, but it remains to be seen if he will end up at Newcastle United. Decision time is looming, with both clubs boasting no desire for this saga to drag into the final week of the transfer window.
It has been reported that Newcastle will pull out of the Guehi deal if there is no agreement before the weekend.
Newcastle still hope they can sign Guehi, but other centre-backs are being considered just in case.
Joe Gomez is an option for Newcastle United
One option that Newcastle could consider as an alternative to Marc Guehi is Joe Gomez.
He could be on the move before the transfer window closes on August 30th, with Joe Gomez considering a move away from Liverpool.
The England international looks likely to be available, which could give Newcastle the chance to revisit a deal they nearly completed earlier this summer.
Gomez almost joined Newcastle United ahead of the June 30th PSR deadline, as part of a deal that would have seen Anthony Gordon move the other way and sign for Liverpool.
The Magpies were going to pay £45million for the 27-year-old, and Gomez was happy to join Newcastle. Medicals were even scheduled while the duo were out in Germany representing England at Euro 2024.
However, those transfers collapsed when Newcastle found another way to solve their PSR nightmare.
How Newcastle currently feel about signing Joe Gomez from Liverpool
Now Newcastle could have the chance to go back in for Gomez, depending on what happens with their pursuit of Guehi.
According to iNews, Gomez is a player who Newcastle United have discussed as an alternative, as well as Trevoh Chalobah and Malick Thiaw.
However, a deal for the Liverpool defender might not be straightforward.
iNews add that Newcastle currently believe that Liverpool’s Joe Gomez asking price is too high.
It was reported by Caught Offside recently that Liverpool want between £30million and £34million for the versatile defender. However, it is unclear if that is the price that Newcastle United have been quoted.
Jeff Stelling backs Newcastle to sign Gomez
While the price tag might be too much for Newcastle right now, Jeff Stelling has told TalkSPORT (7:27am, 20/08/24) that he thinks Gomez is a ‘good fit’ for Eddie Howe’s side.
“I think Newcastle is a good fit,” he said.
“That’s the story at the moment is that Marc Guehi… Palace may be pushing a little too far, pushing their demands a little bit too far.
“Joe Gomez, who has made nearly 250 appearances for Liverpool, he was in the Euros squad, he can play full-back or centre-half, I think he would be a good fit for Newcastle personally.”
Newcastle must prioritise Marc Guehi
For now, Newcastle must focus on getting Guehi over the line. When you compare him to the alternatives, it is obvious why Guehi is the top target.
Compared to Gomez, Guehi is much younger and has a higher ceiling, while he has not had the injury issues that the former Charlton Athletic player has endured. Guehi is a leader too, which is another reason he stands out compared to Newcastle’s other options.
But while he is the standout candidate, a deal still needs to be agreed with Crystal Palace. That is proving to be difficult, and the next couple of days are going to be absolutely pivotal.
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