by Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi insists he is ignoring speculation about his future amid interest from Newcastle and is only focused on Palace’s opening Premier League game at Brentford on Sunday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Newcastle have made a third bid for the England international and their increased offer, made over the weekend, is being considered by Palace, with talks ongoing.
The Magpies’ second offer – made last Thursday – was around £50 million, but Palace value Guehi at £65 million.
Sunday, August 18, 1:00 p.m.
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Asked if he could draw attention to one team ahead of Palace’s game on Sunday, Guehi said exclusively: Sky Sports News: “I can do that, I’ve actually been doing that my whole life. I’ve never been one to look too deeply into myself, if you know what I mean.
“But I think it’s always important to focus on what’s really important and that’s the game this weekend. And we need to make sure we stay in that position as a team for the rest of the season.”
On Tuesday, Palace chairman Steve Parish urged Newcastle to pay a hefty price to sign the 24-year-old, claiming: “If you want a superstar player, you have to pay superstar money.”
Parish believes the former Chelsea defender is a “generational talent” who the club will fight to land this summer ahead of the August 30 deadline.
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Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish insists Newcastle must pay “superstar money” if they want to lure Marc Guehi away from Selhurst Park.
Guehi said of Parish’s comments: “I am very humbled by this. For someone like me, who plays such a big role in this football club, to say something like that is unbelievable.”
“I’m not sure if I’m a superstar, but those were really nice words from the chairman. It’s really nice to hear that.”
A key factor in the talks between Palace and Newcastle is Guehi’s remaining contract term.
It takes 18 months for him to negotiate preliminary contracts with foreign teams and two years for him to leave the club on a free transfer.
But Guehi, who starred for England on their way to the 2024 European Championship final, insists he is happy at Selhurst Park as speculation about his long-term future continues to grow.
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Check out Guehi’s best moments from last season for Palace in the Premier League
When asked if he was happy and enjoying life, he replied: “I am. Honestly, it’s nice to be back, it’s nice to be playing among teammates again.”
“Another nice little performance in front of the fans [started last Sunday’s 1-1 pre-season home draw against Nantes]So yes, everything is positive at the moment.”
He added: “I think there is a real culture of togetherness here and that applies to everyone, from the academy, the women [team] and the men [team] too. Everyone is really on the same wavelength, a real family.
“This may sound trite, but honestly it’s just a great place.”
Fulham makes improved offer for Guehi’s Palace teammate Andersen
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Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen responds to rumours linking him with a possible transfer to Fulham
The latest from Dharmesh Sheth and Michael Bridge of Sky Sports News:
Fulham have made an improved offer for Guehi’s teammate and centre-back partner at Crystal Palace. Joachim Andersen.
The bid for the 28-year-old is said to be £30 million – including performance-related benefits.
Palace are keen to keep the Danish international and therefore it is unlikely that the offer will be accepted.
Fulham is also still interested in Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos.
Marco Silva’s side will await the outcome of their bid for Andersen before considering another offer for Carlos after their first offer was rejected.
Fulham are looking for another centre-back before the end of the transfer window after signing Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal.
Why does Newcastle want Guehi?
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Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie reveals further details of Newcastle’s third offer for Marc Guehi
Keith Downie from Sky Sports News:
“Eddie Howe is keen to sign Marc Guehi. He is an England international and everyone saw in the summer what he can bring to a team as he was part of the England defence that made it to the European Championship final.
“He’s been pretty impressive at Crystal Palace for a long time. It would be another player who knows the Premier League, who is an international and, crucially I think, knows some of the Newcastle players in that squad.
“He is quite close to Anthony Gordon, who was of course also away with England in the summer, and the two of them came through the national team’s youth team together. He is also close friends with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, with whom he played at Chelsea.
“Newcastle are looking to bring in reinforcements in defence, where they are a little understaffed, especially on the right-hand side, where they actually only have Fabian Schar in that position.
“Guehi can also play right and left centre-back, so you would have that option on both sides.”
