Exclusive: Transfer talks have not yet concluded but move for England international is on course to be confirmed before the weekend.
Newcastle United are close to finalising a deal to sign England international Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for a fee well in excess of £60 million.
Talks between the two clubs have progressed well over the last few days and there is confidence on both sides that an agreement will be reached.
Newcastle have not baulked at the asking price quoted by the London club and personal terms will also not be a problem.
The signing would be a huge coup for Newcastle given how high Guehi’s stock has risen following an excellent European Championship campaign. He could well cement his place as one of England’s two first choice centre backs building up to the World Cup in 2026.
Newcastle have not signed an established England international since they landed Kieran Trippier back in 2022, but he was entering the twilight of his career when he arrived from Atletico Madrid whereas Guehi’s best years are ahead of him.
The 24-year-old had already proven himself to be one of the best centre backs in the Premier League but his game was elevated to another level during the Euros when he was arguably England’s most consistent player.
Telegraph Sport understands that while the transfer talks have not yet concluded the move is on course to be confirmed before the weekend.
Newcastle had made the signing of another centre back one of their top priorities this summer and to land a player as well regarded as Guehi is further evidence of the club’s growth since the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021.
Crucially, Guehi is said to be very keen on the move and has urged his representatives to make the deal happen.
Until the contracts are signed there is always a risk of a rival bid coming in but as things stand, it looks like Guehi will be swapping south east London for the north east of England
His departure would be a huge blow to Palace but the club are also willing to listen to the player’s wishes and the fee is a large one for a defender in a largely depressed summer market.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle still have the funds to address their other major need in this window which is a right-sided forward. It could be that the Magpies have to wait to see if there are any outgoings before moving for one of their right wing targets later in the window.
The Guehi transfer has been the main focus for the last week and it will be a real statement of intent if sporting director Paul Mitchell can complete it.
