Newcastle United are big fans of Premier League defender as Paul Mitchell eyes Marc Guehi alternative

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Newcastle United are eyeing up potential centre-back signings for this summer.

Centre-back is a priority for Newcastle United, having missed out on Abdukodir Khusanov in January.

Newcastle also missed out on Marc Guehi last summer, with Paul Mitchell unable to agree a deal with Crystal Palace.

However, Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle remain interested in Guehi ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The 24-year-old is an option that the Magpies are considering, but he is not the only defender on Eddie Howe’s radar.

Newcastle United monitor Jan Paul van Hecke

That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle United have also been monitoring Brighton And Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

“Van Hecke is another defender Newcastle United are looking at,” he said.

“He is another player of that ilk. There is a type of player that Newcastle are looking at, with Marc Guehi, Ousmane Diomande and Malick Thiaw all on the club’s radar.

“They’re all up and coming, technically good, right-sided centre-backs who are a good age. They are all in that mould.

“Bayer Leverkusen are looking strongly at Van Hecke too.

“He is one to keep an eye on. Newcastle have been watching him and they like what they see. Brighton want to keep him, but he has only got two years left on his deal. And Brighton are one of those clubs where every player has their price.”

Van Hecke’s last appearance against Newcastle United

Van Hecke’s last appearance against Newcastle United was certainly eventful.

He started for the Seagulls as they beat the Magpies 3-2 to knock Eddie Howe’s side out of the FA Cup.

That game is best remembered for Anthony Gordon’s red card, which saw Newcastle’s number 10 tussle with Van Hecke. Gordon lashed out at the 24-year-old, which resulted in him being sent off and subsequently missing the Carabao Cup final.

It remains to be seen if Van Hecke will be involved for Brighton against Newcastle United on Sunday, as the Magpies head to the Amex Stadium.

The Dutchman missed the win over West Ham on Saturday due to a head injury, having been stretchered seven days earlier.

However, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler expects Van Hecke to return.

“I am sure he will be back next week,” he said.