Newcastle United are showing reluctance to meet Crystal Palace’s valuation of top defensive target Marc Guehi as talks continue.
According to HITC, Newcastle United have yet to lodge a third offer for Marc Guehi as they are reluctant to meet Crystal Palace’s valuation. The Magpies consider the 24-year-old Euro 2024 finalist a critical addition this summer. But there are doubts whether they will pay £65 million for the centre-back.
Newcastle United’s reluctance on Marc Guehi’s valuation
Crystal Palace are seemingly open to selling Marc Guehi even if it means the departure would significantly weaken them ahead of the new season. The Eagles are only willing to let him go should interested parties meet their £65 million valuation of the 24-year-old, which in this case is Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe had to look for new defenders following the long-term injuries suffered by Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles. While they have signed Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer, the options at the back are thin at this moment, as they view the signing of Guehi as vital to their plans ahead of the new campaign.
Newcastle United saw their second bid rejected by Palace, which was in the region of £50 million and quite shy of the £65 million valuation. The Eagles are adamant about their stance over the 24-year-old Euro 2024 finalist, meaning the Magpies will have to make another offer closer to that number.
The Magpies are expected to return with a fresh offer, but they are seemingly reluctant to match the £65 million valuation as per the report. While they view Guehi’s arrival as a crucial piece of business, more talks might take place between the two clubs to determine a middle ground, although the final fee might be very close to Palace’s valuation.
Newcastle United must break the bank for Guehi
Should Newcastle United end up meeting the £65 million valuation, Guehi will become their record signing, and the Magpies must break the bank for the 24-year-old Euro 2024 finalist. The defender has already agreed on personal terms with the club, which effectively wards off efforts from competing clubs, as he sees his future at St. James’ Park.
With Newcastle’s latest offer still far away from Palace’s valuation, the Magpies might have to find their teeth and pay what is necessary to land the defender. His arrival not only helps them with their shortcomings at the back, but the centre-back also allows them to build a platform to challenge their season’s objectives, which makes him a crucial addition for Howe.
