Newcastle are reportedly considering walking away from negotiations with Crysal Palace for defender Marc Guehi.
The Magpies are desperate to bolster their backline this summer and shortlisted the England international as their top target following the arrival of free agent Lloyd Kelly.
Eddie Howe’s side have tabled four bids for Guehi already, with their most recent offer being rejected earlier this week after it was deemed insufficient by Palace.
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The Eagles have made it clear that they would only entertain offers worth at least £65million, with Newcastle’s most recent bid worth £60m, plus a further £5m in add-ons.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are now pondering over whether to continue pursuing the ex-Chelsea defender or turn their attention to alternative options.
The higher powers at the club are considering ‘walking away’ from the negotiating table due to the rising costs and how it could impact their position regarding Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Palace have been unfazed by the speculation surrounding their captain and signalled their intent to retain the services of the defender by reportedly starting him in their clash with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The 24-year-old is set to lead his side out against the Bees as Oliver Glasner has remained clear publicly that Guehi remains part of his team unless he hears otherwise.
The inclusion of Guehi against Brentford is unlikely to be a shock to Newcastle, though it could spark them to assess alternative options in the market given that Howe has made it clear that he wants to sign another centre-back before the end of the month.
Speaking about his side’s pursuit of a defender following Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday, Howe said: “Of course, we’re looking in the transfer market. We’ve got a period of time left, and we’ll see what we can do.
“Could we do something in the market? Possibly, but conditions have to be right for us. As I’ve said all along, we can’t do something that goes against the long-term good of the football club, so we’ll try to make the right decision.”
