The transfer saga surrounding Marc Guehi and Newcastle United has reached a critical juncture as the Magpies push to secure the defender before the transfer deadline. The 24-year-old England international has been a standout for Crystal Palace, and his impressive performances have caught the eye of several top clubs, with Newcastle United emerging as the frontrunner in this race.

Newcastle United’s pursuit of Guehi has been relentless, with four bids already rejected by Crystal Palace. The Eagles have been firm in their valuation of the defender, reportedly holding out for a fee in excess of £70 million. This figure reflects Guehi’s rising stock, especially after his contributions to England’s run to the Euro 2024 final. Palace’s stance has been consistent—they’re not willing to let one of their key players go for anything less than their asking price.

As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, Newcastle remains optimistic about getting the deal over the line. Reports suggest that personal terms between Guehi and Newcastle are not an issue, leaving the transfer fee as the final hurdle. With the Magpies seemingly prepared to meet Palace’s demands, the deal could very well be completed in the coming days.

For Newcastle, signing Guehi would be a significant statement of intent. Eddie Howe’s side is keen to reinforce their backline as they aim to re-establish themselves in the Premier League’s top four and make deeper runs in European competitions. Guehi’s arrival would not only solidify their defense but also signal Newcastle’s ambition to challenge the league’s elite.

However, the timing of this potential transfer poses a dilemma for Crystal Palace. Having already sold Joachim Andersen to Fulham, losing Guehi would leave their defense severely weakened. Palace would need to act swiftly to bring in reinforcements, with Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix and Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior being linked as possible targets. Yet, finding suitable replacements this late in the window could prove challenging, especially with Arsenal reportedly closing the door on Kiwior’s exit.

Ultimately, the decision may rest with Guehi himself. If he opts to join Newcastle, Palace will face a race against time to rebuild their defense. For Newcastle, securing Guehi would be a major coup, but for Palace, it could lead to a scramble in the final hours of the transfer window. As the deadline looms, all eyes will be on Guehi and whether he decides to make the move to Tyneside.