Marc Guehi’s Newcastle United transfer could be boosted by potential player-plus-cash offer

Newcastle United may have found an unexpected solution to their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with out-of-favor left-back Matt Targett potentially holding the key to unlocking negotiations.

While Palace remain steadfast in their £50 million valuation of the England international despite his contract entering its final year, sources suggest the Eagles would consider accepting Targett as part of a player-plus-cash arrangement to soften their financial demands.

The proposed deal could suit all parties involved. Palace require defensive reinforcements after Ben Chilwell’s loan return to Chelsea left them needing cover for first-choice left-back Tyrick Mitchell.

Targett, who has managed just 12 appearances across two injury-plagued seasons at St James’ Park, fits the profile of experienced Premier League backup they seek.

For Newcastle, including the 28-year-old in negotiations would help offset Guehi’s substantial fee while offloading a peripheral squad member whose £15 million permanent signing in 2022 never delivered expected returns.

Andrew Musgrove of The Everything is Black and White Podcast revealed: “I’ve been told Matt Targett could potentially hold the key. Palace want another left-back to compete with Mitchell, and they wouldn’t be against taking Targett as part of a cash-plus-player deal.”

This strategic move would allow Newcastle to allocate more of their summer budget towards strengthening other priority positions while still securing one of the Premier League’s most promising center-backs.

Guehi’s situation grows increasingly intriguing as Palace reportedly prepare for his departure by lining up Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande as a £40 million replacement.

The domino effect of these potential transfers could accelerate Newcastle’s chances of landing their primary defensive target, particularly if they demonstrate flexibility in negotiations.

For Targett, the switch would represent an opportunity to revive a career stagnating through injuries and limited opportunities under Eddie Howe. Once considered among the league’s most reliable defensive full-backs during his Aston Villa days, he could rediscover his best form with regular minutes at Selhurst Park.

Newcastle’s recruitment team must now weigh whether sacrificing Targett in a structured deal makes more financial sense than meeting Palace’s full cash demands outright.

With Financial Fair Play considerations ever-present and multiple positions requiring investment, this creative approach could prove the most pragmatic path to securing Guehi’s services while maintaining squad-building flexibility elsewhere.

As the summer window progresses, all eyes will be on whether these initial discussions develop into concrete negotiations. One thing remains clear:

Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi has entered its most intriguing phase yet, with Targett unexpectedly emerging as a potential facilitator for one of the window’s most significant defensive transfers.