Newcastle are still looking for a new centre-back in the current transfer window, with talks for Crystal Palace and England’s Marc Guehi deadlocked at present.
CaughtOffside sources understand that Guehi is still the priority for the Magpies despite the Eagles best efforts at trying to resist a sale, and the North East giant have recently made a new attempt to convince the Selhurst Park outfit to let him go.
In parallel to those discussions, sources have also advanced that Newcastle are exploring different alternatives to Guehi.
Newcastle still prioritising Guehi capture
In recent days, there has been contact with Barcelona to understand the margins of negotiation for the Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen, amongst others.
Barca are willing to discuss his possible farewell, starting negotiations from a base figure of £22/23m.
Mario Hermoso, currently without a contract, has been proposed to Newcastle and other English as well as Italian clubs through intermediaries, however, there is only timid interest from Eddie Howe and his backroom team at this stage.
During the club’s internal evaluations, CaughtOffside sources have noted that the position of Harry Maguire was discussed, with Man United not intending to listen to offers below £25m.
Liverpool’s Joe Gomez was also mentioned, with the Reds asked for information regarding the costs and conditions of a possible transfer operation.
In any case, Newcastle will firstly continue to try to convince Palace to let Guehi go.
There remains concrete interest in Conor Gallagher should his move to Atletico Madrid break down, and sources indicate there have been further contacts for Adrien Rabiot.
Newcastle have also begun talks on the renewal of Alexander Isak, while the possibility of signing a right winger is becoming increasingly concrete; Noni Madueke and Johan Bakayoko are among the names on the shortlist.