Marc Guehi breaks silence as Newcastle persist with bids with Crystal Palace defender

Marc Guehi (Image: Getty)

Marc Guehi has finally addressed the intense speculation surrounding his future after being linked with a move to Newcastle United for the past fortnight.

The England defender, in an interview with Sky Sports, avoided directly answering whether he had any interest in joining the Magpies. Instead, he emphasised his commitment to Crystal Palace and the upcoming match against Brentford on Sunday.

Despite Newcastle's repeated bids being rejected and Palace chairman Steve Parish admitting that Guehi could leave for the right offer, the player maintained his focus, saying: "I can [focus]. I have never really been one to look too far into myself if that makes sense."

He continued to stress the importance of concentrating on the immediate task at hand, expressing his dislike for the spotlight: "Focusing on what is truly important (Brentford on Sunday) is always important. I don't like being the centre of attention at all, I prefer to stay in the back and let other people get the limelight. It is important to make sure that for the rest of the season as a team we are at it."

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Reacting to Parish's praise, calling him a superstar, Guehi responded modestly: "I am humbled by that. But some really kind words from the chairman. For somebody that is such a big part of this football club to say something like that is amazing for somebody like me."

He added, reflecting on his time at the club: "I told you earlier I am not sure I am a superstar but really kind words. Since the beginning it has been amazing here, a real culture of togetherness here, from the Academy, women and men's, we are all on the same page. It is an amazing place to be. "I am (enjoying life), it is good to be back here. It is good to be back playing again amongst team-mates.

"It was good to get a nice little run out in front of the fans again. But all positive. It starts up again, exciting for everybody. Long season ahead now but everybody raring to go."

Guehi's remarks follow a statement from Palace chairman Parish just a day earlier, asserting that no offers have met their valuation for the sought-after defender.

"We'd like to keep hold of him. There's a price and a situation where we might consider it," Parish disclosed to BBC Sport. "Somebody [in another interview] said he's a superstar, so somebody has got to pay superstar money.

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"Realistically, homegrown, 24 years old, sensational talent, somebody has to make it difficult for us. At the moment it isn't. He'll still be at Crystal Palace at the moment, but it's not impossible.

"He is certainly not making anybody's life difficult, his agents are decent people. It's a very good situation. Whether he is here or not will make no difference to how he performs."

Marc Guehi breaks silence as Newcastle persist with bids with Crystal Palace defender

Marc Guehi breaks silence as Newcastle persist with bids with Crystal Palace defender

Marc Guehi breaks silence as Newcastle persist with bids with Crystal Palace defender

Marc Guehi breaks silence as Newcastle persist with bids with Crystal Palace defender

Marc Guehi breaks silence as Newcastle persist with bids with Crystal Palace defender