'Opened talks': Newcastle now moving to sign ‘exceptional' defender as Marc Guehi alternative - Keith Downie

Newcastle United have spent what’s felt like an eternity trying to sign Marc Guehi, with the Magpies struggling the land the Crystal Palace defender.

The 24-year-old centre-back was one of the standout stars at this summer’s Euros with England once again making it all the way to the final, with Guehi playing six of the seven games for Gareth Southgate out in Germany.

With Newcastle chasing Guehi for some time, the Toon are struggling to reach an agreement with Palace for the former Chelsea academy star, with the Eagles looking to recoup as much as £65m for the England superstar.

And it appears that Eddie Howe and his team are now moving on to other targets.

Newcastle open talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba

According to Keith Downie, Newcastle have begun negotiations with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen to sign Edmond Tapsoba, who could be allowed to leave this summer for the right offer.

Downie wrote: “Newcastle have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over defender Edmond Tapsoba. An approach has been made to the German club for the 25-year-old Burkina Faso international as per David Ornstein. Newcastle have also enquired to Chelsea over Axel Disasi.

“Paul Mitchell knows Disasi from his time at Monaco. Both players would cost less than Marc Guéhi & allow for money to be spent in forward area. The £65m move for Guéhi is still live but Newcastle understandably exploring other options due to stand-off with Crystal Palace.”

Noted as an ‘exceptional’ defender by the Bundesliga’s official website, Tapsoba would be quite the signing for Newcastle given his title-winning antics at Leverkusen last season, and the Burkina Faso international could be more attainable than Guehi in the final week of the window.

Newcastle need to do all they can to sign Tapsoba

Tapsoba was ever-present for Leverkusen last season as Xabi Alonso guided the German side to an unbeaten Bundesliga title as well as the DFB Pokal, with the defender playing 46 games in all competitions.

And for Newcastle, the Magpies must be doing all they can to sign Tapsoba, who at 25-years-old would be an outstanding long-term addition for Howe if a deal can be reached in the coming days.

Indeed, whilst Guehi would be a better signing on paper, it’s clear that Palace are resigned to losing their star defender to a league rival, which makes Tapsoba the ideal signing this summer for Newcastle.