Newcastle submit an improved £55m bid for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi – as Eddie Howe names the England star his top defensive target this summer

Newcastle have made an improved offer of an initial £55million for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

The deal will increase to £60million if certain payment add-ons are achieved. The offer is still short of Palace’s minimum £65m valuation but is being considered.

Mail Sport revealed this morning that Newcastle were expected to return with a third offer for England star Guehi after we revealed on Friday that the Magpies had seen their second offer, believed to be at an initial £48million plus add-ons that would take the deal beyond the £50m mark, turned down by Palace.

That offer is now in and being mulled over by Eagles chiefs.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell is handling negotiations for Newcastle and has informed Palace of their new offer.

Magpies have not been deterred in their pursuit despite having two prior offers turned down

Eddie Howe has made Guehi his preferred central defensive target ahead of the new season and is fully behind Newcastle’s move to sign one of England’s stars of Euro 2024.

However, there is an acceptance that the club need to sign a new central defender this summer with sources indicating the Magpies may consider other options if Palace continue their stance.

AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw has been a target for Newcastle, but he is understood to be reluctant to leave the San Siro, particularly with the club playing Champions League football this year.

Guehi has just under two years left on his current contract meaning he can start negotiating a free transfer exit away from south London in January 2026.

Understandably, Palace want to avoid that scenario and are willing to offer their centre-back a new contract that would make him one of the best paid players in the club’s history.

Guehi’s future could yet be complicated by Fulham’s recent £20million offer for Joachim Andersen, who partners Guehi at the heart of Palace’s defence.

Eddie Howe has earmarked Guehi as a top target as Newcastle look to bolster their defence ahead of the coming campaign

Palace have turned down Fulham’s initial approach, but it remains to be seen how a potential exit for Andersen impacts Guehi’s protracted switch to Newcastle.

Palace head coach Oliver Glasner will push for the signing of Wolfsburg centre back Maxence Lacroix if Guehi departs.

The pair worked together at Wolfsburg and Glasner is keen on a reunion.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who has been told he can leave Stamford Bridge, is also an option for Palace in the event of Guehi leaving.