Newcastle 'move onto Marc Guehi plan B' wanted by Barcelona and Liverpool

Mohamed Simakan is admired by Newcastle, Liverpool and Barcelona (Image: Getty)

Newcastle United are reportedly exploring a deal for Mohamed Simakan. The RB Leipzig defender, who also has admirers at Liverpool and Barcelona, could be an alternative to Marc Guehi if Crystal Palace dig their heels in over the final few days of the transfer window.

The Magpies have seen a sequence of bids rejected by Palace, who are holding out for £70million to let go of their star defender. And Newcastle only have two more days to cough up the cash.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell has therefore taken the initiative to scout out alternatives in case Palace are unwilling to compromise. According to Sky Germany, Simakan is in the equation.

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The 24-year-old has been a Leipzig regular for the past three seasons, racking up more than a century of appearances for the Bundesliga side. Standing 6ft 2in tall, Simakan is able to play at right-back or in central defence.

Newcastle are said to be 'exploring' what it would take to sign the Frenchman, with Leipzig open to negotiate in the event of a serious offer. But they are under no immediate pressure to sell as Simakan has just under three years to run on his contract.

Liverpool and Barcelona have reportedly enquired about Simakan during the current window, while there is also interest from the Saudi Pro League. But Newcastle could be the club to make a decisive move if they refuse to be held to ransom by Palace.

Newcastle United are still pushing to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace (Image: Getty)

The Eagles' starting centre-back partnership from last season, Guehi and Joachim Andersen, has already been torn apart by Andersen's £30m move to Fulham. Palace are therefore determined to get their full asking price before sanctioning Guehi's exit in the same window.

Maxence Lacroix's seemingly imminent move from Wolfsburg to Selhurst Park may offer Newcastle hope of Palace relaxing their demands for Guehi. But senior figures at St. James' Park have compiled a list of alternatives regardless.

Alongside Simakan, Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba has also been the subject of club-to-club discussions, while Newcastle have reportedly contacted Chelsea to register their interest in Axel Disasi.

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Magpies boss Eddie Howe has stressed the importance of spending money wisely this summer due to profit and sustainability rules.

"There's no problem with backing or support, there never has been," he said. "It's the rules we're trying to abide by and every decision we make has a consequence for the future, so we have got to make sure we are making wise decisions and not leaving ourselves in a vulnerable position again further down the line."

Newcastle 'move onto Marc Guehi plan B' wanted by Barcelona and Liverpool

Newcastle 'move onto Marc Guehi plan B' wanted by Barcelona and Liverpool

Newcastle 'move onto Marc Guehi plan B' wanted by Barcelona and Liverpool

Newcastle 'move onto Marc Guehi plan B' wanted by Barcelona and Liverpool

Newcastle 'move onto Marc Guehi plan B' wanted by Barcelona and Liverpool