Ousmane Diomande of Sporting
Ousmane Diomande of Sporting could be set for a summer move
Crystal Palace appear to be preparing for life without Newcastle United transfer target Marc Guehi, and have lined up an ambitious move for Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande.
The Eagles held off interest from United for centre-back Guehi last summer, but could decide to cash in on the England star this time around.
The 24-year-old is out of contract next year, and reports sugges the Selhurst Park club could be willing to talk on a £50m deal.
Newcastle have not lost interest in Guehi, and he remains one of their primary transfer targets this summer. He would tick all the boxes for Eddie Howe and Co, in that he has a wealth of Premier League experience, has his prime years ahead of him and is already an estalished England international.
United have a limited transfer budget this summer, but there are significant funds available to strengthen their first-team squad ahead of next season's Champions League campaign, without the need to sell first.
While they will continue to drive a hard bargain, they know they will have to pay a premium for Premier League quality, and £50m is generally considered a reasonable price for a player of Guehi's abilities.
The Magpies' hopes of securing a deal could be boosted if the Eagles land transfer target Diomande this summer. The Sporting star had been one of many central defenders on United's radar, and has attacted plenty of attention ahead of the summer window.
Arsenal were said to be interested, but reports this weekend suggest Palace are ready to strike an early transfer blow by lodging a £45m bid for the Ivory Coast international.
The 21-year-old has two years left on his current deal, but looks set to leave Portgual this summer after a strong season in Lisbon.
Palace are not under PSR pressure to sell players, but Diomande's arrival is likely to signal Guehi's exit, with Tottenham and Chelsea also keen on the England star.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been a target for Newcastle United in the past
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is a target for Newcastle United(Image: Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Spurs' decision to sack Ange Postecoglou could work in United's favour with transfers likely to stall at the North London club until a replacement for the Australian is found.
Newcastle are yet to make their first moves in the transfer window, although welcomed young forward Antonio Cordero to the club last week.
United have been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, although only have three days left to make any signings before the window shuts for a week on June 10.
It will repopen for the remainder of the summer on Monday, June 16, but as Newcastle have no games until their first pre-season friendly at Celtic on July 19, the temporary closure is unlikely to change any plans.