Bundesliga winning defender very close to joining the Premier League

Improving the defence is one of the big priorities for Newcastle United in this transfer window. Therefore, Eddie Howe's side want to sign a new centre back and have set their sights on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi. A few days ago, the Magpies submitted their fourth bid of £65 million for the 24-year-old central defender.

However, Guehi seems highly likely to stay at the Selhurst Park this season as Oliver Glasner's side have recently sold Denmark centre back Joachim Andersen to Fulham for £30 million. Also, with only around ten days remaining in the transfer window, Crystal Palace will have to bring in a replacement for Andersen and thus, it would be difficult for Palace to find a replacement for Guehi as well if they sell him to Newcastle United. 

Bundesliga winning defender very close to joining the Premier League

Now, a recent report from Kicker has provided a surprising update on Newcastle United's pursuit of a new centre back. The report has revealed that Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen's central defender Odilon Kossounou is very close to join a Premier League team for a transfer fee of £38 million. Therefore, it is speculated that Newcastle United or Crystal Palace is signing Kossounou.

If Crystal Palace sign the Leverkusen centre back, it means they are open to selling Guehi to Newcastle for around £75 million. However, if Newcastle United secure the signature of Kossounou, then they won't sign Guehi in this transfer window. Now, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle United sign Kossounou or try to bring in Marc Guehi to the St. James Park. 

Meanwhile, Newcastle United will face Bournemouth in their second Premier League match after the 1-0 win over Southampton in the opening match of the new season.