Newcastle could now receive boost in Mohamed Simakan pursuit as Marc Guehi alternative is eyed

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Newcastle United have less than 48 hours to sign a centre-back.

It has been one of the Magpies’ priorities all summer, yet Newcastle United are seemingly leaving it as late as possible.

Marc Guehi remains the top target, as Eddie Howe aims to bring the 24-year-old to St James’ Park. There was hope on Wednesday that Newcastle were suddenly closer to a deal for Guehi, but it remains to be seen if that is the case.

If a Guehi transfer is not possible then Toon officials will need to seek out an alternative. The likes of Edmond Tapsoba and Axel Disasi have been linked with Newcastle, while Mohamed Simakan is currently the biggest name to be rumoured to be Toon bound if the Guehi deal collapses.

The 24-year-old is an alternative option for Newcastle, with Simakan possibly available for £42million. That would make him much cheaper than Guehi, who could cost as much as £70million.

RB Leipzig in talks to replace Mohamed Simakan

Financially, it probably makes sense to go for Simakan ahead of Guehi.

And while Crystal Palace are trying to stand firm, RB Leipzig are putting plans in place in case their defender does leave.

That is according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who has stated on X that RB Leipzig are in talks with Benfica about a deal for Portuguese centre-back Antonio Silva.

He adds that talks are also ongoing with his agent, with there now being a ‘serious chance’ for Silva to join the Bundesliga club.

Plettenberg adds that a deal may depend on whether or not Simakan leaves, although there is a possibility that he could arrive no matter what.

Antonio Silva deal could open the door for Newcastle United

RB Leipzig are preparing themselves for the possibility that Simakan goes. That could mean that there is an opportunity for Newcastle to land their Marc Guehi alternative.

But Newcastle will need to make a decision quick, because they do not want to leave it too late to pivot away from Guehi and go all in on Simakan.

Plus, there is the added bonus that a cheaper deal for Simakan could hopefully mean there is additional money to spend elsewhere – possibly on a winger. But that is fanciful thinking given how much Newcastle United have struggled to get one major deal over the line this summer.

With the clock ticking, Newcastle are still yet to sign a centre-back. But there could be a clear path for them to bring in Simakan, if they suddenly decide to pull out of a deal for Guehi.