CONFIRMED: Newcastle turn to Simakan amid frustrating Guehi saga

Newcastle are looking at alternatives to Marc Guehi after a frustrating saga involving Crystal Palace.

FootballTransfers has learned that Mohamed Simakan is among the club’s options. Paul Mitchell is a fan of the 24-year-old and recently dialogue opened with RB Leipzig.

However, nothing is close with Simakan either. There is an expectation that he could leave in the next two days, with clubs in Saudi Arabia also interested, but so far no offers have been forthcoming so far.

FootballTransfers has so far been unable to confirm reports of his release clause but it’s thought to be around €70 million.

Meanwhile, Palace opted to use Guehi in the starting line-up once again on Tuesday night, rendering him cup-tied. It may be seen as a power-play by some and there is an idea that if Palace get close to €83m for the defender, the optics would not look great for future deals for the Magpies.

He is Eddie Howe’s primary signing, but there’s a delicate balance regarding which member of the hierarchy will ultimately have their say.

“Mohamed Simakan is a robust, dynamic and versatile defender,” said former sporting director of Leipzig Markus Krosche, summing the young player up nicely upon his unveiling with the club.

“He can play in central defence or at full-back. At 20, Mohamed is still young and capable of developing. He has already had two seasons as a key player in Strasbourg, also picking up experience in the Europa League. We’re pleased that he has chosen to join us, despite interest from other clubs.”

The Magpies have been deadlocked in negotiations with Palace to sign Guehi over the past few weeks, having seen a number of bids knocked back for the England international.

Newcastle’s most recent offer, thought to be worth in excess of £65 million (€77m), has been under consideration by Palace, with reports in recent days suggesting that the bid could be accepted. But his featuring in Palace’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace has thrown a damper on him moving to St James’ Park.

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While talks are still ongoing, Guehi’s appearance for Palace in the Carabao Cup means that he would be cup-tied for Newcastle if he were to join them and they progressed in the tournament.

With Newcastle having not won a major domestic trophy in nearly 70 years, Eddie Howe’s side have been hoping to end their trophy drought this season as they prepare for a campaign without European football.

But the idea of seeing Guehi – a potential club record signing – unable to feature for them in a winnable competition this season could prove to be a deal breaker for Newcastle even if Palace end up accepting their offer.

Guehi deal sums up difficult summer for Newcastle

Newcastle have endured a difficult summer, having been forced to sell youngsters Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to balance their PSR sheet in June, while the club brought in Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director in July.

The Magpies business this summer has seen the arrivals of Lewis Hall on a permanent deal, Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer, young forward William Osula and two backup goalkeepers in John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

The club were anticipating a strong summer of recruitment after narrowly missing out on European qualification last season but they have so far been unable to address a problem position at right wing and they could yet miss out on their top defensive target in Guehi.

Talks for Guehi will continue to progress down to the wire but Palace’s stance over Newcastle’s latest offer may have been revealed by fielding the centre-back as captain, with the Eagles still keen to keep hold of their star man.