Newcastle have now made a contact to agent of £15m defender after Marc Guehi deal stalls

Newcastle United have been active in the summer transfer window, adding four new faces to their squad. However, their transfer business is far from over, as the club is now prioritizing the acquisition of a top-quality defender to strengthen their backline ahead of the new season.

Newcastle’s primary target for bolstering their defense is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The 23-year-old center-back has emerged as one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League, attracting interest from several top clubs. Newcastle are keen to bring Guehi to St. James’ Park, but negotiations have stalled due to his high price tag.

Crystal Palace is holding firm on their valuation, which has created a significant hurdle for the Magpies. While Newcastle is eager to secure Guehi’s services, the deal’s progress has been slow, leading the club to explore alternative options in case they fail to meet Palace’s demands.

With the uncertainty surrounding the Guehi deal, Newcastle have started to identify potential alternatives. One of the names that have come to the forefront is Rasmus Nicolai Costa, the talented defender from Toulouse. According to reports from Corriere di Bologna, Newcastle have already initiated contact with Costa’s agent to discuss the potential terms of a transfer.

Toulouse has set a £15 million asking price for Costa, while Newcastle values him at around £11 million. Although there is a gap in valuation, it is a difference that can likely be bridged with further negotiation. Costa is a versatile defender, capable of playing both as a center-back and left-back, making him an attractive option for Newcastle, especially if the Guehi deal falls through.

Newcastle’s interest in Costa has also raised concerns in Bologna, as the Italian club is also vying for his signature. With Newcastle’s financial muscle and Premier League status, Bologna fears losing out on their prime defensive target. The battle for Costa’s signature could intensify in the coming weeks as the transfer window approaches its final stages.

Another option under consideration is Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen. The Danish international has been on Newcastle’s radar as a contingency plan if the Guehi deal cannot be finalized. Andersen, valued at around £40 million, has already attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, including Fulham, who reportedly made a £20 million offer earlier in the summer.

Andersen is known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and composure on the ball, making him a strong candidate to bolster Newcastle’s defense. However, his substantial price tag could make the deal challenging, especially if Newcastle prioritizes other areas of their squad.

Newcastle’s pursuit of a new defender is not just about adding quality to the squad but also about strategic financial planning. Signing a high-priced defender like Guehi or Andersen would require significant investment, potentially limiting funds available for other positions that may need strengthening.

In contrast, signing Costa from Toulouse could be a more cost-effective option, allowing Newcastle to allocate resources to other areas of need. Costa’s versatility and lower price tag make him an appealing alternative, particularly if the Magpies are looking to balance their budget while still adding depth and quality to their squad.

Newcastle United’s summer transfer window has already seen several key additions, but the club’s pursuit of a top-class defender remains a priority. Marc Guehi is the preferred target, but the high cost of securing his signature has led Newcastle to explore other options, including Rasmus Nicolai Costa and Joachim Andersen.

The outcome of these negotiations will play a crucial role in shaping Newcastle’s defense for the upcoming season. Whether they manage to land Guehi, pivot to Andersen, or secure a more budget-friendly option like Costa, the Magpies are determined to strengthen their backline and continue their ambitious push up the Premier League table.

As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, Newcastle fans will be eagerly watching to see which defensive reinforcements arrive at St. James’ Park, hoping that the club’s strategic moves will set them up for success in the new campaign.

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