Why Newcastle are already worried about Marc Guehi as approach goes public

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Newcastle United are trying to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, but a deal is going to be very difficult.

The Magpies are aiming to sign a right-sided centre-back this summer, and it did look like Malick Thiaw was the top target.

Newcastle had been in talks with Thiaw’s agent, while Eddie Howe praised the 22-year-old in a recent interview.

But now Newcastle have approached Marc Guehi, with Toon officials in talks with Crystal Palace over a deal for the England international.

It would be a deal that would delight Toon fans, after Guehi excelled in an England shirt at Euro 2024.

However, a deal will be very expensive. Guehi will cost more than £60million, which would eat up a large portion of the Magpies’ summer transfer budget.

Newcastle are concerned about their interest in Marc Guehi being leaked

But that is not Newcastle’s only problem, as they aim to bring Guehi to St James’ Park.

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle United are concerned that their move to sign Guehi could now be hijacked after their interest in the 24-year-old went public.

The Telegraph state that talks are at an early stage, with Newcastle aiming to keep their transfer business a secret.

However, the cat is out the bag when it comes to Guehi, with the Telegraph’s report adding that there are fears that Newcastle approach has been leaked to bring other suitors to the table and possibly drive up the asking price.

There will be a lot of interest in Guehi after his Euro 2024 exploits

The last thing Newcastle United need is a bidding war.

Guehi is already an extremely ambitious target who is going to cost a lot of money. Given the initial fee that has been mentioned, it is a surprise to see that Newcastle are actually making a move.

But a deal for the centre-back would be a major statement of intent, especially given the summer that Guehi has had.

Going into the Euros, there was a lot of concern surrounding the England defence. In the end, there was nothing to worry about. Guehi was outstanding in the absence of Harry Maguire, and was one of few Three Lions players to do themselves justice in Germany.

Newcastle make the first move to sign Guehi

Given how well he did, there was expected to be a plethora of interest in the defender.

But it is Newcastle who have made the first move, and Toon officials will be praying that they are left alone in the pursuit of a defender who has already spoke fondly of the North East.

In an interview during the Euros, Guehi described St James’ Park as his favourite stadium after Selhurst Park, admitting that it is such a hard ground to play at.

He could soon be on the other side of the coin and benefitting from the Geordie roar, but only if Newcastle can agree a deal with Crystal Palace without their approach being hijacked.