Done deal. ‘ Newcastle now expected to land ‘a’mind-blowing’ late deal before Friday – insider.

‘Done deal. ‘ Newcastle now expected to land ‘a’mind-blowing’ late deal before Friday – insider.

Following the transfer window summer roundoff on Friday, Newcastle have been linked with a late move for Mohamed Simakan, who had been aspiring to move to RB Leipzig this summer.

According to reports, the Magpies have remained steadily confident over a deal for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, with the Eagles helpfully closing in on a deal for Wolfsburg alternative Maxence Lacroix. However, fellow 24-year-old defender Simakan, who has a €70m [£59m] release clause at Leipzig, has also been tracked by Newcastle this summer.

Meanwhile, the manager hopes to add up more options within the defense line as well, though the need to further bolster the attacking prowess is the priority.

Guehi can play at either right center-back or left center-back, which is one of many reasons Eddie Howe has been so keen to push through a deal. Simakan, however, can also play in a number of positions.

The Frenchman played 26 times at center back for Leipzig last season but also featured 14 times at right back. Sporting director Paul Mitchell knows the Bundesliga club well from his time there, but he had already left Leipzig when they signed Simakan back in 2021.

Simakan, on paper, ticks a lot of boxes. Strong, physical, and experienced at a high level, it is no wonder top clubs have tracked his status at Leipzig. Should Kieran Trippier depart St James’ Park before the end of the summer window, with Simakan arriving, Newcastle would feel they have not left themselves depleted at full-back and crucially would have also strengthened centrally, which has been the main aim of recent months.

Meanwhile, Palace are said to be holding out for £70 million for Guehi’s services, with the defender entering the final two years of his Selhurst Park deal. Leipzig are said to even be open to accepting less than Simakan’s £59m release clause.

Speaking on Tuesday, Howe shot down hopes Newcastle could sign a central defender and a right-winger before the month is out.