- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands Newcastle are continuing to try and hammer out a deal for Marc Guehi, but as the window edges closer to slamming shut, they are investigating other options.
Eddie Howe’s side have been trying to strengthen their defensive line all summer and have been left frustrated by the lack of incomings, with Lloyd Kelly the only senior face coming in after his contract expired at Bournemouth.
Newcastle wanted to sign Tosin Adarabioyo, but he opted to join Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea on a free transfer from Fulham.
England international Guehi has also been on Newcastle’s radar, but time is ticking to get a deal done with Crystal Palace – the window slams shut on Friday.
How Newcastle are feeling about Marc Guehi deal
HITC is told by sources close to Newcastle that the North East giants are ‘growing increasingly frustrated’ in their efforts but they are not giving up.
They firmly believe that Guehi wants to move to St James’ Park and they won’t give up – the expectation is that it could go to the last day of the window.
Despite the off-field noise around him, the 24-year-old has continued to play for Crystal Palace, with the London club suffering two defeats from their opening two Premier League matches.
Guehi was captain as Palace suffered a 2-0 loss to West Ham at the weekend, but he also featured in their comprehensive 4-0 win against Championship side Norwich City on Tuesday night in the League Cup.
Who are Newcastle targeting if they don’t sign Marc Guehi?
Sporting director Paul Mitchell – whilst working on Guehi – is also placing calls on other options.
HITC can confirm they include RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan, as well as Chelsea duo Trevoh Chalobah and Axel Disasi.
Simakan, 24, is also of interest to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia but the Bundesliga superstar, who can play centre-back and right-back, would prefer a move to England.
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Chalobah has a number of options, one of which is Palace – but that would only be if Guehi leaves.
Chelsea have made it clear that Chalobah isn’t part of their plans, with the centre-back expected to depart alongside Raheem Sterling.
Disasi, who played at right-back during Chelsea’s Europa Conference first-leg win over Servette, hasn’t been part of Maresca’s matchday squads in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old played 31 Premier League games under Mauricio Pochettino last term and is a player Mitchell knows well from their time at Monaco together.
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