Newcastle are less than £5m away from signing ‘terrific’ player as talks continue

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Newcastle United remain in talks to break their transfer record this summer.

That record currently belongs to Alexander Isak, who cost Newcastle United £63million two years ago. When he arrived from Real Sociedad, he became Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.

But Isak could be replaced at the top before the transfer window closes on August 30th, as Toon officials aim to complete a deal for Marc Guehi.

The 24-year-old is the Magpies’ top centre-back target, but a deal is yet to be agreed with Crystal Palace.

However, Guehi is keen to sign for Newcastle, and there is real hope that he will head to St James’ Park soon.

Talks continue as Newcastle aim to complete ‘expensive’ Marc Guehi deal

Newcastle’s first Guehi bid was rejected, but talks with Crystal Palace are still on going as Paul Mitchell aims to strike an agreement with the Eagles.

As it stands, the two sides differ in their valuations of Guehi by £5million. That is according to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi.

“Talks are continuing between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace,” he said.

“Palace are still looking for a minimum of £70million, but we understand that Newcastle are wanting to pay around £65million, with add-ons. They are not quite there yet, but talks are continuing. There is cautious optimism of an agreement. Newcastle are hopeful – they seem pretty confident.

“It’s an expensive deal, but he’s an England international from a Premier League club. It is what it is, really.
“I think it will be a good signing if they can get a deal done.”

Liverpool ‘not interested’ despite Danny Murphy’s comments

As negotiations continue, there will be fears that the Magpies’ pursuit of Guehi could be hijacked. That was Newcastle’s big worry when their interest in Guehi went public.

As it stands, Newcastle are leading a one horse race. That is despite Danny Murphy predicting that Liverpool will make a move for Guehi, who he described as a ‘terrific player‘.

But Murphy’s prediction is unlikely to come true, with Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that the Reds are not planning to bid for Guehi.

“Liverpool were linked with Guehi, but we have had that confirmed that they are not interested,” he said.

“At that price [more than £65million], I don’t think there are going to be many other suitors, other than Newcastle United.”

Signing Guehi is less of a risk than Malick Thiaw

Guehi has emerged as Newcastle’s top centre-back target, but there have been other players on the Magpies’ radar.

Paul Mitchell held talks with West Ham bound Jean-Clair Todibo, while there was also interest in AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.

Eddie Howe spoke glowingly about Thiaw, but he now appears to have fallen down the Toon pecking order below Guehi – despite the Crystal Palace man being valued at almost twice the price.

But Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that he believes that the fact that Guehi is ‘not a risk’ has resulted in him becoming the top target.

“In comparison to Thiaw, he’s [Guehi] an England international and the finished product. He certainly is not a risk like Thiaw would have been.”