Newcastle are still keen on signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to The Athletic reporter Chris Waugh.

The Magpies failed to agree a fee for the England international last year but Waugh says the club remain big fans of the player:

“Newcastle remain convinced that Guehi would be an ideal addition and would strengthen their first XI and they have continued to monitor him closely.”

“Part of the reason why they would have spent big on him last summer — if not at the £60million-plus price that was mooted, then potentially at £50m-plus – and risked having to make further sales is because several senior figures felt he was a long-term solution to their right-sided centre-back position.”

Guehi could be available for a lower price this summer

The 24-year-old is closing in on the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and there are suggestions that a bid of around £50m could be enough to secure his services.

Guehi is not expected to sign a new deal with Palace and the Eagles are in a difficult position. They won’t want one of their prized assets leaving on a free transfer next year so a decision will have to be made on his future over the coming months.

Newcastle will have competition for the centre-back

At the weekend, it was confirmed by another journalist, Fabrizio Romano, that the Magpies are just one of three Premier League clubs who are considering tabling bids.

Guehi’s former team Chelsea and their London rivals Tottenham are also reportedly in the mix. A return to Stamford Bridge, in particular, may prove rather tempting for the player.

Newcastle could, though, persuade him with the prospect of playing in the Champions League. Eddie Howe’s side are currently sitting third in the Premier League table with 4 games to go.

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here