- Tensions rise behind the scenes at St James’ after Guehi signing fails
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Newcastle face the prospect of losing Eddie Howe’s top transfer target Marc Guehi with tensions rising behind the scenes at St James’ Park.
Howe told new sporting director Paul Mitchell that the Crystal Palace defender was the player he wanted this summer. Mitchell, we are told, said he would deliver the England star to him.
However, after a long saga that has seen Guehi’s price tag rise to close to £70m following a series of failed bids, the move is on the brink of collapse.
Palace chairman Steve Parish now wants more than £70m and the situation is complicated by a knee injury to defender Chadi Riad.
We understand Howe has all but said it’s Guehi or no one at center back, and there’s a chance no defender will land if the move doesn’t get done by Friday’s deadline.
Newcastle face the possibility of missing out on top transfer targets Eddie Howe (right), Marc Guehi (left)
New sporting director Paul Mitchell (front) we are told said he would hand over the England star
Sources have also indicated that Mitchell had doubts that Guehi was the only option and would have preferred more targets.
It all leaves unanswered questions about relationships within the club, with Mitchell and chief executive Darren Eales in danger of ending their first transfer window together on a sour note.
Howe has been told to concentrate on coaching the team since Mitchell’s arrival and the departure of transfer allies Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi earlier this summer.
The failure to sign the likes of Miguel Almirón has also left the Magpies unable to reinforce the right wing position, an area Howe had identified as a priority going into the window.