Newcastle 'leading race' for £60m target as 'talks continue' despite rejected bid

The Magpies are known to be in the market for a new centre-back as both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles remain long-term injury absentees, leaving manager Eddie Howe light in the defensive department.

Fabian Schar and summer signing Lloyd Kelly are currently set to begin the new season as Howe's central-defensive pairing, while Dan Burn and Emil Krafth are other options available to the Magpies boss.

However, it is understood that Newcastle are keen to make a statement centre-back signing, with Palace star Guehi identified as their primary summer target on the back of an impressive Euro 2024 campaign with England.

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are close to finalising a deal to sign Guehi for a fee well in excess of £60m.

Newcastle to submit improved offer for Guehi?

However, Sky Sports News claims that reports of an agreement being very close are premature, but talks continue between Newcastle and Crystal Palace over a potential big-money transfer.

Newcastle are said to have see one bid rejected by Palace for the 24-year-old, but the Magpies are expected to return with an improved offer.

It is claimed that the two clubs remain in dialogue and there is confidence that a deal could be struck quickly if an acceptable bid is made for the £60m-rated defender.

Newcastle are thought to be at the front of the queue for Guehi's signature as they are currently the only club at the table, despite interest from a plethora of teams earlier this summer.

Newcastle the frontrunners to sign Guehi

The likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have all previously been credited with an interest in Guehi, as have European giants including Real Madrid and Juventus.

Although Newcastle failed to qualify for European competition for 2024-25, they are the frontrunners to secure the services of Guehi and personal terms are unlikely to be a problem in negotiations with the defender.

Guehi has spent the last three seasons at Crystal Palace, making 111 appearances across all competitions including 25 Premier League outings last season.

Should Guehi complete a big-money move to Newcastle, 20% of the transfer fee would go directly to Chelsea who inserted a sell-on clause in the defender's deal when he joined Palace.