Newcastle United tried to sign Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi last summer.
Newcastle United reportedly remain in the hunt for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi - and Champions League could swing the saga in their favour.
Toon chiefs infamously tried - and failed - to land the England international last summer. Several bids were rejected, although NewcastleWorld understands the £75million fee mooted in the national press was wide of the mark.
The Magpies operated under tight PSR restrictions and identified Guehi as their No.1 transfer target. When the deal collapsed, Newcastle decided to keep their powder dry, with outgoings the focus in January.
Outgoings could boost Newcastle United coffers
Fast forward to the present and the Magpies are on a solid financial footing after no significant first-team signing for three windows. Champions League qualification has provided a timely boost alongside fees to Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly.
Further funds could be recouped should surplus stars like Sean Longstaff move on this summer. The Telegraph once again claim Newcastle are targeting Guehi as he enters the final year of his contract.
Marc Guehi tight-lipped on Crystal Palace future
Guehi has stayed tight-lipped on his future as Palace targeted a historic FA Cup win - their first major honour. Beating Manchester City in the final a fortnight ago also secured Europa League football for next season.
But the Magpies are undoubtedly a club on the up having qualified for Champions League. Newcastle did the same under Eddie Howe two years ago and proved they can deliver silverware with a Carabao Cup triumph in March.
The piece suggests outgoing sporting director Paul Mitchell is keen to sign one first-team star before heading for the St James’ Park exit on June 30. A surprise announcement on Tuesday confirmed the 43-year-old will step down following a single season in the hot seat.
Palace are in a tougher negotiation position given Guehi’s contract and Newcastle being unburdened by PSR. It is unlikely the Selhurst Park hierarchy will demand as much as £75million, with a real possibility that they could lose their asset for nothing next year.
Paul Mitchell to leave Newcastle United
Mitchell insisted Newcastle is in “good hands” during his farewell message on Tuesday. He told the club website: "I'd like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans.
“It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people. I'm leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales - someone who I have worked so closely with in my career - moving on soon.
"The club is in great hands on and off the pitch and is in a fantastic position to continue building. I'd like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future."
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