Newcastle United have been linked with some alternatives to Marc Guehi, just in case they are not able to agree a deal for the Crystal Palace defender.
The 24-year-old is still the top target, although Newcastle are yet to submit a new bid for Marc Guehi as we edge closer towards the transfer window closing.
However, there has been hope that Newcastle’s deal to sign Guehi is significantly closer, as Paul Mitchell aims to end a massively disappointing summer on a positive note.
But while the Toon sporting director aims to spend a huge amount of PIF’s money on the England international, the Saudi investment fund are also looking to potentially splash out on a central defender at another one of the clubs they own.
PIF club target Mohamed Simakan
PIF own four clubs in Saudi Arabia, one of which is Al-Nassr, who Cristiano Ronaldo plays for.
They are currently trying to sign Milan Skriniar from Paris Saint-Germain, but have an alternative lined up in case a deal for the Slovakian does not get over the line.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Al-Nassr are now in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal to sign Mohamed Simakan.
He wrote on X: “Al Nassr open talks with RB Leipzig for Mohamed Simakan in case Skriniar deal collapses. Deal done between PSG and Al Nassr for Skriniar but still no green light from the player. Talks ongoing also for Simakan now.”
Newcastle have been linked with Mohamed Simakan as a Marc Guehi alternative
Interestingly, Simakan is a player who was rumoured to be on Newcastle‘s list of alternatives should the Guehi deal collapse.
The Daily Mail reported last week that Newcastle United were interested in Simakan, with Edmond Tapsoba also mentioned as a possible alternative to Guehi.
However, the Bayer Leverkusen defender never seemed likely to make the move to Tyneside, with people in Germany believing that Tapsoba was not for sale.
In contrast, Simakan could be for sale, and is in talks to join a PIF club. But it is Al-Nassr, rather than Newcastle United.
It will be frustrating if Newcastle miss out on Simakan and Guehi
Newcastle’s main focus right now is Guehi. He is the centre-back they want, and the centre-back they continue to chase.
But there are still no guarantees that a deal will be done, with the transfer window set to close on Friday night. If Toon officials do fail to complete a deal, it will be extremely disappointing and represent a major failure in the transfer window.
And those frustrations will only grow if one of the Guehi alternatives moves to another club owned by PIF.
But Al-Nassr’s priority appears to be Skriniar, with Simakan being lined up as a backup plan.
As for Newcastle’s backup plan, it might be a simple case of Guehi or nothing.
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