Crystal Palace spark major panic about Marc Guehi situation as they gear up for final friendly

Crystal Palace are set to play their final pre-season friendly before the next Premier League season begins next weekend.

Palace are taking on French side Nantes at Selhurst Park and Newcastle fans have been keeping an eye out for their teamsheet going into the game.

While seeing Marc Guehi's name on the teamsheet wouldn't be the end of the world, his absence would be taken as a huge positive that the talks are progressing well and the England centre-back could be on his way to Newcastle United.

You'd like to think that Palace would avoid risking Guehi picking up an injury if they believed they were close to a sale for the 24-year-old.

It wasn't the news Newcastle fans were hoping for

Just after 2pm Crystal Palace posted their starting XI which included £65 million Newcastle target Marc Guehi which, naturally raised a few eyebrows on social media.

Ideally, we'd have liked them to have kept Guehi out of harm's way, but the bottom line is that he remains a Crystal Palace player and they can do with him what they choose.

It doesn't mean that they won't sell him, but it does give an insight into where the negotiations currently are - namely not as far on as we'd hoped.

We can be a little bit petty

Provided Guehi comes through the game unscathed it's not a big deal, however, if he does pick up a knock that could affect his move, then we can kick off.

We'll be keeping our fingers crossed that Guehi comes away from this game without a scratch on him before he finalises his move to Newcastle before Saturday's Premier League opener.

Also, just to be spiteful, I hope Nantes batter them today.