'It cannot be underestimated': Journalist now has huge reason why he believes NUFC will try again for Marc Guehi in January

Newcastle United wasted far too much time and effort trying to sign England centre-back Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in the summer.

Palace co-owner Steve Parish had Newcastle on strings and kept toying with the club until he pulled the rug and Newcastle were left with no choice but to walk away from the deal right at the end of the transfer window.

While reports suggested that Newcastle were prepared to go to £70 million to land the 24-year-old, Eddie Howe claimed on Friday during his pre-match press conference that the real figures were never anywhere near that high.

Whatever the truth, the reality is that Marc Guehi is still at Palace and Newcastle still want a right-sided centre-back.

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Newcastle could try again for Marc Guehi in January

Most Newcastle fans appear to be completely over the idea of Marc Guehi coming to the club, while a large portion of fans were never convinced in the first place.

However, transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle will try again for Guehi in January but will also be prepared to walk away early.

“From my understanding, if Newcastle could pick one centre-back to sign, it would be Marc Guehi,” he said.

“But it will not rumble on for the whole of January. If a deal is not possible, they will move on quickly.

“He’s a player who Newcastle United love and have done the background work on. It cannot be underestimated the work that has gone in on Marc Guehi.

“There is a certain type of character that Eddie Howe likes, and he loves Marc Guehi. Newcastle really do like him, and it is no surprise that they are going to go back in for him.

“However, Newcastle are doing their due diligence on alternatives.”

Newcastle don't want their efforts to go to waste

In a way, we can see the logic. Newcastle did spend all that time and effort on Guehi in the summer, it would be a waste of time if they didn't try again in January, especially with Palace more likely to be open to a deal as Guehi enters the final 18 months of his contract.

With Palace struggling this season, Guehi might also be more keen to leave, too. However, the finances have to make sense for anyone to get on board with this.

That being said, it's believed that Newcastle will be prioritising attacking players over defenders in the upcoming windows anyway.