Newcastle get Guehi boost as Liverpool defender dragged into transfer domino

Crystal Palace are stepping up their interest in Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix after rejecting Newcastle's opening offer for Marc Guehi.

The Magpies are expected to return with an improved bid in the near future after identifying the England international defender as a top target following a series of excellent displays at Euro 2024.

And in what could be perceived as a boost for Eddie Howe's side, Palace have now held initial talks over a swoop for 24-year-old Frenchman Lacroix, who is now into the final year of his current Wolfsburg contract.

The Bundesliga side have been keen to extend the player's contract but according to the club's managing director Peter Christiansen, the Palace target appears ready to embark on a new challenge.

Christiansen told Kicker earlier this week: "You have to consider all scenarios. Without wanting to blame anyone: it is never ideal when a player is entering the last year of his contract. But that is the situation, we are talking to Maxence, we would like to keep him. But the player and those around him also have their thoughts and ideas. And then we will see what happens."  Sources speculate Lacroix could be available for around £17million (€20m) though Wolfsburg are keen to negotiate the best deal possible to maximise their chances of landing an adequate replacement.  Top of their shortlist is Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg, who is awaiting clarity on his Anfield future after impressing in pre-season. The 22-year-old Dutchman, who spent last season on loan at Mainz in Germany, is also wanted by PSV Eindhoven and Stuttgart, among others.

Lacroix has remained in regular contact with Palace boss Oliver Glasner since receiving a phone call from the Austrian at the back end of last season.

He told German newspaper Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung in May : "We spoke on the phone after the game between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace about two weeks ago. It's not the time to talk about my future.

"All that matters to me now is Wolfsburg. We have a mission, which is to stay in the league. And when this mission is accomplished, we can head on holiday with a smile. We can talk after the season."

Lacroix is not the only name on Palace's radar but he is believed to be a top pick to replace skipper Guehi, if he does depart for pastures new. Liverpool previously enquired about Guehi back in March but they're yet to formalise interest.

Chelsea stand to profit from any potential deal thanks to a significant sell-on clause that is said to be worth 20 per cent. The Blues, who sold Cobham academy graduate Guehi to Palace for £18m in 2021, also have the right to match any bid Newcastle put on the table for the 24-year-old.