· 9 June 2025, 20:00
**Newcastle United appear to be keeping their options open when it comes to finding a defender to partner Sven Botman.**
Marc Guehi is still the solid favourite after such extensive efforts were wasted last summer. It's thought that Newcastle will have a much easier time negotiating a move this year, given Guehi's contract situation.
However, what the Magpies will not do is fall into the same pit as last summer, which saw them put all of their hopes in landing Marc Guehi.
Indeed, the Magpies have been linked with several defenders so far, quite a few of whom have been mentioned before, and now another familiar name has reappeared in the frame.
Federico Gatti - a cheaper alternative to Marc Guehi
Newcastle and Tottenham are keen on Federico Gatti
--------------------------------------------------
Not for the first time, Newcastle are being linked with an interest in Italy centre-back Federico Gatti who is currently on the books at Juventus.
[Caught Offside](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/06/07/federico-gatti-transfer-tottenham-newcastle/) claims that both Newcastle and Tottenham are monitoring the situation with Gatti and Juventus, who are said to be in talks over a new deal, and that if an agreement can not be reached, the Premier League clubs will make their move for the 26-year-old.
West Ham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are also said to be keen on the Italian, but the Champions League factor that Newcastle and Tottenham provide puts them slightly ahead in the race.
Federico Gatti or Marc Guehi - what are we thinking?
----------------------------------------------------
The report suggests Gatti could be available for around £30 million, given Juventus' need to sell players to balance their books - a point which is always worth bearing in mind when the relentless Sandro Tonali to Juventus rumours resurface.
Speaking of Sandro Tonali, perhaps Newcastle's midfield maestro could put in a good word on our behalf.
Gatti is a regular feature in the Italy national squad, but rarely seems to play. Given how poor Italy have been of late, this could potentially be a red flag, but now that Italy have sacked Luciano Spaletti, Gatti may find himself featuring more regularly.
For under £30 million, he could prove to be a better option than Marc Guehi, who is expected to cost twice as much.