Since the beginning of the summer transfer window, Eddie Howe's side has been prioritizing a move for a high-profile center-back. Considering the Magpies' injury woes, with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles injured and Fabian Schar nearing his European football career, the squad feels left out with only one natural center-back in Lloyd Kelly.
Analyzing the Magpies' recent season opener fixture against Southampton FC, Howe was forced to use Dan Burn in his unconventional center-back role to fill in the backline. Moreover, after Schar's 28th-minute suspension, matters worsened for Newcastle United; however, they were lucky enough to complete the fixture with all 3 points.
The need for a rock-solid backline leader is much recognized by the English manager, as the club's management has been looking to progress in one of the strongest prospects of the Premier League for the role. However, while there have been continuous efforts from the club for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, nothing has been agreed as of now.
Newcastle sets eyes on Joe Gomez as Guehi's alternative
Aware of the fact that less than two weeks are left in the summer window, the Magpies have started to look for Guehi's alternatives. According to reports from The Times, Newcastle has started reconsidering Liverpool's ace center-back, Gomez, for the role. Not to forget, the club had arrived as close to having a medical for the player; however, the potential swap deal had to be halted due to Newcastle's financial restrictions.
At that time, a swap proposal between Gomez and Gordon was almost to occur, with a £30M additional fee for the Magpies club; however, being stuck in profitability and sustainability rules, the deal was called off from Newcastle's side. However, the club, currently devoid of any such restrictions, finds itself in a favorable position to opt for Gomez.
According to the center-back's market value, Liverpool won't negotiate below £45M for Gomez; however, as compared to Guehi, it would still be a cost-effective deal from Newcastle's perspective. Having much greater experience than Guehi, it wouldn't be a surprise that the 27-year-old English defender overperforms above the club's expectations.
Even though further updates are yet to arrive on Joe Gomez's potential Newcastle move, the Magpies club won't hesitate to pursue the seasoned defender as Guehi's ideal alternative.