Newcastle to offer surprise player + cash for Marc Guehi? – Crystal Palace open to deal
The long-running saga surrounding Marc Guehi’s potential move to St James’ Park may finally reach its conclusion this summer, with Newcastle United preparing an innovative approach to secure their priority defensive target.
After failing to break Crystal Palace’s resistance in 2024 despite multiple bids, the Magpies are returning to negotiations with a fresh strategy that could see out-of-favor left-back Matt Targett become an unexpected bargaining chip in discussions.
Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph has done little to ease their left-back concerns, with loanee Ben Chilwell returning to Chelsea and leaving Tyrick Mitchell without experienced competition.
This development presents Newcastle with a golden opportunity to structure a deal that benefits all parties. The Chronicle’s Andrew Musgrove revealed on the Everything Is Black and White podcast that Palace officials have shown receptiveness to including Targett as part of the transfer package, recognizing the 29-year-old’s potential to provide reliable cover while allowing Guehi to pursue Champions League football.
Financial Flexibility Remains Key Priority
Even with Guehi entering the final year of his Selhurst Park contract, Palace’s valuation remains substantial – a far cry from the £65 million they demanded twelve months ago.
Newcastle’s hierarchy, determined to strengthen multiple positions this summer, understand the importance of creative deal-making to maintain financial flexibility.
Offloading Targett’s significant wages – the defender earned Premier League money while playing just 19 minutes last season – would provide immediate relief to Newcastle’s salary structure while sweetening the offer for their primary defensive target.
The proposed arrangement makes particular sense given Lewis Hall’s emergence as Newcastle’s first-choice left-back, supplemented by Tino Livramento’s impressive end-of-season form.
Targett’s departure would streamline Eddie Howe’s defensive options while delivering a player who could genuinely contribute to Palace’s squad.
The former Aston Villa defender’s experience in both Premier League and European competitions makes him an ideal rotational option for Oliver Glasner’s side as they prepare for Europa League football.
Newcastle’s recruitment team, led by Paul Mitchell, approach these talks with hard-earned wisdom from last summer’s failed pursuit.
Where Palace previously held all the leverage with Guehi contracted until 2026, the dynamics have shifted considerably. The England international’s desire to compete at the highest level, combined with his dwindling contract, gives Newcastle renewed confidence they can finally secure their man without jeopardizing other crucial transfers.
A successful deal would represent a masterclass in squad management – converting an expendable asset into meaningful value while addressing the team’s most glaring defensive need.
Guehi’s ball-playing ability and leadership qualities would instantly elevate Newcastle’s backline, providing the perfect complement to Sven Botman’s physical presence.
At 24 years old, the former Chelsea academy product fits the club’s long-term vision while bringing invaluable Premier League and international experience.
For Palace, the arrangement offers a pragmatic solution to two problems – securing Guehi’s transfer value before his contract depreciates further, while filling their left-back vacancy with a proven top-flight performer.
Targett may not generate headlines, but his reliability and tactical intelligence could prove invaluable for a club balancing domestic and European commitments.
As negotiations progress in the coming weeks, this potential player-plus-cash deal exemplifies the sophisticated transfer strategies top clubs must employ within Financial Fair Play constraints.
Newcastle’s willingness to think creatively could finally break the Guehi impasse, delivering their primary defensive target while maintaining resources to pursue a right winger and backup striker.
In the high-stakes game of summer transfers, sometimes the most effective moves involve recognizing value where others see expendability.