Newcastle still eyeing £80m move for Palace’s Marc Guehi despite Liverpool interest

Newcastle United prepare an £80m bid for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, but the defender reportedly prefers a move to Liverpool. Will Newcastle win the race?

Crystal Palace FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Crystal Palace FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League | Harriet Lander/GettyImages

Newcastle United are not giving up their pursuit of Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi, despite reports suggesting the 24-year-old may prefer a move to Liverpool. The Magpies had several bids turned down for Guehi during the summer transfer window but are preparing to return with a fresh offer in January.

At just 24, Guehi has become a key player for both Crystal Palace and the England national team, making him a highly sought-after target among Premier League clubs. According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are ready to table a record-breaking bid of £80 million, which is thought to be closer to Palace’s valuation of the defender.

Newcastle keen to secure defensive reinforcements

Newcastle’s defensive issues have prompted the club to reignite their interest in Guehi, as manager Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his backline. With Newcastle aiming to compete for European qualification, adding a reliable, top-tier center-back like Guehi is a priority.

READ MORE: Newcastle fans are not happy with Eddie Howe's decision during the loss to Brighton

However, while Newcastle are preparing to meet Palace’s asking price, the defender’s preference for a move to Liverpool could complicate matters. Liverpool are reportedly interested in Guehi but are unlikely to match Newcastle’s offer during the January transfer window. This leaves the player in a tricky situation, with his future still uncertain.

Liverpool’s interest could delay Guehi’s decision

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is waiting on the future of Virgil van Dijk, whose potential contract extension could reduce the club’s immediate need for a new center-back. Without urgency from Liverpool, Guehi may have to consider Newcastle’s offer more seriously.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s poor start to the 2024/25 season, sitting in 18th after seven games without a win, means they may struggle to hold onto their star defender. If Newcastle’s bid is accepted, the decision could come down to whether Guehi wants to move to a club ready to invest heavily in his future or wait for a possible approach from Liverpool.

For now, Guehi will focus on helping Palace climb the table, but his future remains a topic of intense speculation ahead of the January transfer window.

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