Newcastle United's Marc Guehi alternatives dwindle after 'fully focused' transfer claim

Newcastle United are set for an important week as they look to conclude their summer transfer business. The Magpies remain in talks to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi with the two clubs negotiating over a fee said to be in the region of £65m.

It's a saga that's dominated the Magpies headlines in the past month or so and they remain hopeful of agreeing a fee with their Premier League rivals, despite some reports suggesting they'd had four bids rejected.

The Toon had started to look at potential alternatives to the England international, if they were unable to prise him away from Selhurst Park. Chelsea's Axel Disasi was one of those players linked with a move to St. James' Park, while the Magpies had held talks with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen about Edmond Tapsoba.

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However, despite holding talks with Xabi Alonso's side, the Burkina Faso international has pledged his future to the German champions after their 3-2 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.

Speaking to ESPN, Tapsoba said: "Yes I'm fully focused in Leverkusen. This season we'll fight for everything. Every title and I'm fully focused on Leverkusen."

Newcastle know they're running out of time to bolster their backline, with deadline day on August 30th at 11pm. Completing a deal for Guehi would allow them to focus on other areas of the pitch with a right-winger