Newcastle open talks with Crystal Palace over the signing of England international Marc Guehi

Newcastle are in direct talks with Crystal Palace over a move for England international Marc Guehi.

Mail Sport understands sporting director Paul Mitchell is handling negotiations from the Newcastle end in what could be the club’s biggest negotiation of the summer.

Eagles co-owner Steve Parish is likely assuming control of the deal from the Palace perspective.

Guehi has just two years left on his contract at Selhurst Park and is open to leaving this summer for the right project.

 It is understood Newcastle have made an initial verbal offer but there is no confirmation as to how much the Magpies want to pay during early discussions.

The 24-year-old has made 11 appearances for Palace in all competitions since joining in 2021

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The 24-year-old’s signing would represent a major coup for Eddie Howe’s side ahead of the campaign

The centre back emerged as one of England’s stars of the summer as the national team reached the Euro 2024 final.

A number of top clubs have shown an interest in Guehi but Newcastle are the first to make a firm move.

Manchester City are watching closely, too. But it is understood the champions would look to sell first before solidifying their interest.

Mail Sport reported earlier this summer that Palace would not consider anything less than £65m for Guehi and his valuation could yet prove problematic.

If Newcastle and Palace are able to reach an agreement, Guehi will then decide whether he wants to St James’ Park.

Newcastle have added Lloyd Kelly, John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos to their roster this summer, while Lewis Hall’s loan has become permanent and they have also agreed a deal to sign William Osula from Sheffield United.

The Magpies came close to adding to their defensive ranks earlier in the summer when Joe Gomez was included in negotiations between themselves and Liverpool over the signing of Anthony Gordon. 

Newcastle’s pursuit of Gomez unfolded after they initially approached Liverpool in early June about whether the Anfield club had interest in buying either Anthony Gordon or Alexander Isak for PSR purposes. 

The initial £100m price tags were dismissed by Liverpool then, as Mail Sport exclusively revealed, Newcastle asked about Quansah. That request was rebuffed but Newcastle subsequently proposed a price of around £80million for Gordon.

Oliver Glasner is gearing up for his first full season as Palace boss following an impressive end to the last campaign

Newcastle were involved in talks earlier this summer that would have seen Joe Gomez move to St James’ Park

Again, that was turned down but as Amanda Staveley and Newcastle’s ownership pushed for PSR solutions, Mail Sport sources revealed chief executive Darren Eales returned with a proposal to buy Gomez instead for £45m and sell Gordon to Liverpool for £75m.

Palace meanwhile, have already bolstered their defence with the signing of Chadi Radi from Real Betis ahead of Oliver Glasner’s first full season in south London.