Newcastle United edge closer to ‘breakthrough’ as Magpies told £30m price for defender

The summer transfer market is beginning to take shape for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe’s side navigate complex negotiations for several key defensive targets.

While Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi remains on their radar, the Magpies now face serious competition from Liverpool for the England international’s signature, with the Reds’ financial muscle potentially proving decisive in the race for the highly-rated center-back.

Guehi’s situation at Selhurst Park has become increasingly fluid as he enters the final year of his contract. Sources close to the player confirm his desire to take the next step in his career this summer rather than risk seeing his value depreciate.

This represents a significant shift from last summer’s stalemate, when Palace’s £70 million valuation scuppered Newcastle’s advances despite extensive talks between sporting director Paul Mitchell and Eagles chairman Steve Parish.

The landscape has changed dramatically in twelve months, with Guehi’s price tag now reportedly slashed to around £30 million.

While this makes the 23-year-old far more accessible, Newcastle must contend with Liverpool’s ability to offer substantially higher wages – potentially quadrupling Guehi’s current £50,000 weekly salary at Palace.

Although the defender’s primary motivation remains sporting ambition rather than financial gain, the allure of Anfield combined with Champions League football may prove irresistible.

Newcastle’s recruitment team, currently operating without a permanent sporting director following Mitchell’s departure, maintain hope of remaining in the conversation.

Guehi’s representatives have kept communication channels open with St James’ Park officials, but the emergence of Liverpool as serious suitors has undoubtedly complicated matters.

The Merseyside club’s aggressive start to the transfer window, coupled with their established pedigree, presents a formidable challenge to Newcastle’s aspirations.

As the Guehi situation develops, Newcastle’s scouting network continues to monitor alternative options, with Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini emerging as another exciting possibility.

The Magpies’ interest in the 6’4″ Italian international predates the current window, with head of recruitment Steve Nickson having compiled extensive reports on the 21-year-old’s performances.

Despite injury concerns that limited his involvement last season, Scalvini’s technical proficiency and aerial dominance have marked him as one of Serie A’s most promising defensive prospects.

Newcastle’s hierarchy view Scalvini as an ideal long-term partner for Sven Botman, with the experienced duo of Fabian Schär and Dan Burn providing mentorship during his adaptation to English football.

The potential acquisition would follow the club’s established model of blending youthful potential with proven quality, though negotiations with Atalanta are expected to be complex given the Italian club’s participation in next season’s Champions League.

Between the posts, Newcastle’s pursuit of James Trafford appears to be reaching a critical juncture. The Burnley goalkeeper has returned from holiday eager for clarity on his immediate future, with St James’ Park his preferred destination should the clubs agree terms.

While personal terms of around £100,000 per week wouldn’t present an obstacle, the 22-year-old faces a dilemma regarding playing time assurances.

Trafford’s ambition to secure England’s third-choice goalkeeping spot for the 2026 World Cup creates an intriguing subplot to any potential move.

Remaining at Turf Moor would guarantee regular Premier League action, whereas competing with Nick Pope at Newcastle – himself vying for international recognition – could limit opportunities.

Pope’s resurgence under Howe presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Trafford, who would benefit from training alongside the experienced shot-stopper while pushing for first-team minutes in cup competitions.

As July progresses, Newcastle’s transfer strategy appears focused on securing at least one high-caliber center-back while addressing the goalkeeping situation.

The Guehi pursuit demonstrates their ambition to recruit proven Premier League quality, while Scalvini represents a more developmental but potentially higher-ceiling alternative. Both pathways carry merit, but Liverpool’s intervention has undoubtedly forced a reassessment of priorities.

Howe’s measured approach to the window reflects both patience and pragmatism, with the manager understood to be content with the current pace of business.

The coming weeks will test Newcastle’s negotiating prowess as they attempt to outmaneuver wealthier rivals while assembling a squad capable of improving on last season’s European finish.

With preseason preparations underway, the Magpies hierarchy recognize the importance of decisive action to ensure new signings receive adequate time to integrate before the Premier League’s August kickoff.

The goalkeeper and defensive situations remain fluid, but one constant remains – Newcastle’s determination to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts while adhering to their long-term vision.

Whether that involves beating Liverpool to Guehi’s signature, securing Scalvini’s services, or potentially pursuing both targets, the Magpies’ recruitment team face their most challenging window yet as they attempt to bridge the gap to the Premier League’s established elite.