Guehi rejects Newcastle and Liverpool as Chelsea deal confirmed – Palace's dream window

Crystal Palace have enjoyed one of the more astute transfer windows of Premier League clubs and could yet strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad over the next 10 days. The future of Marc Guehi will dominate the remainder of August, while a 2-1 defeat by Brentford on Sunday provided evidence of the gaps that still remain at Selhurst Park.

Guehi has been the subject of four bids from top-flight rivals Newcastle. Palace chairman Steve Parish has been firm that any club interested in signing the England defender will need to meet their valuation, which is understood to be at least £65million.

It is a price that – while steep – falls below the £70m Chelsea paid for Wesley Fofana two years ago, and the £80m cost to Manchester United for Harry Maguire in 2019. Palace consider it a fair price for a player who shone at Euro 2024 and who could be a starting centre-back for England for much of the next decade.

Guehi could still turn down a move to Tyneside even if the two clubs do agree a fee over the coming days. The 24-year-old has been monitored by the Premier League’s Big Six, including Liverpool, and a move to one of those clubs may be deemed more desirable.

That in itself could pose a problem to Palace, whose model is built on players being signed and later sold for a profit. Guehi, who was signed from Chelsea for £18m in 2021, has only two years remaining on his contract and his market price will steadily decrease the longer he remains at the club on his current terms.

The dream for Palace would be for Guehi to sign a new long-term contract with a release clause, just as they convinced Michael Olise to do so last summer when there was strong interest from Chelsea. Olise’s £60m switch to Bayern Munich earlier this summer can be used to convince Guehi how that scenario can conclude well for all parties.

Even if Newcastle do not make a fifth bid for the former Chelsea prospect, there remains a feeling that Liverpool could strike late in the window. Arne Slot has been linked with signing a new centre-back and Joe Gomez could still leave Anfield.

Guehi would be an excellent partner for Virgil van Dijk – although, in a boost for Palace, he may feel that another year at Palace will widen his options next summer.

Express Sport understands that there will be an outgoing before any major incoming deals are completed. In a harsh reality, there is an expectation that one of Guehi or Joachim Andersen will be sold before the transfer deadline.

Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka is of interest to Palace and the south Londoners may want to strike a deal before the window closes. There is little chance of the midfielder’s £40m valuation being met but a loan deal could make sense.

Noni Madueke is another Chelsea player who would be an ideal signing for Palace, even if only on loan. A Palace academy player in his childhood, the winger seems unlikely to receive the same game time under Enzo Maresca as he did with Mauricio Pochettino last season.

Of players who could be available, Madueke is the best possible replacement for Olise. A left-footed and creative attacker with an eye for goal would complement Glasner’s other options, which include summer signings Daichi Kamada and Ismaila Sarr.

Meanwhile, if one of Guehi or Andersen do depart, another centre-back will be signed. Express Sport understands that Maxence Lacroix, Odilon Kossounou and Trevoh Chalobah are among the targets under consideration should they need to strengthen in that area.

Last season’s top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta was always unlikely to leave Palace this summer. The Olympic silver medallist has minor interest from other clubs – including Aston Villa and Marseille – but Palace hold the power over his future with two years and a 12-month option on his contract.

A left-wing-back to provide competition for Tyrick Mitchell would also be beneficial, and there is interest in Union Berlin’s Robin Gosens. There remains plenty of business for Palace to conduct before the August 30 deadline.