Newcastle eyeing €90m-rated French defender as backup plan

Newcastle United are keen on reinforcing their defense in the coming months and have been tracking Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The Magpies made multiple unsuccessful attempts to sign the England international during the summer transfer window, but now they appear to be considering other alternatives.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are keeping a close watch on Leicester City’s Wout Faes. The 26-year-old Belgian defender has impressed for the Foxes and could be a solid option to bolster Newcastle’s defensive line. With experience in English football, Faes could immediately slot into the team and add depth to their central defense.

Castello Lukeba also on Newcastle's radar

Faes isn’t the only defender Newcastle are monitoring. RB Leipzig's highly-rated French defender Castello Lukeba is also being considered. At just 21 years old, Lukeba is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe, with the potential to become a top-tier talent under the right guidance.

However, Lukeba comes with a hefty €90 million release clause, which could make negotiations challenging for Newcastle. If they are willing to invest heavily in the Frenchman, he could be a long-term solution and an exciting addition to the squad.

Strengthening for the future

Newcastle remain determined to improve their backline as they aim to compete for trophies and secure European qualification. Both Faes and Lukeba offer different strengths—Faes brings Premier League experience, while Lukeba represents an investment in future potential.

While Marc Guehi remains a priority for the Magpies, Newcastle may have to turn to these alternatives if they struggle to reach an agreement with Crystal Palace. It will be interesting to see which direction the club takes as they look to strengthen their defense for the challenges ahead.

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