Newcastle are at risk of missing out on top transfer target Marc Guehi with a £70m move for the Palace star teetering on the brink… fuelling tensions behind the scenes at St James’

Newcastle are in danger of losing out on Eddie Howe’s top transfer candidate Marc Guehi as tensions mount behind the scenes at St James’ Park.

Howe told new sporting director Paul Mitchell that the Crystal Palace defender was the one he wanted this summer. Mitchell, we are told, said he would supply the England star.

But after a protracted saga that saw the price for Guehi rise to almost £70m after a series of failed bids, the move is on the brink of collapse.

Palace chairman Steve Parish now wants more than £70m and the situation is further complicated by a knee injury to defender Chadi Riad.

We understand Howe has said it is almost certain it will be Guehi or no one at centre-back, and it is likely that no defender will join if the transfer is not completed before Friday’s deadline.

Newcastle are in danger of missing out on Eddie Howe’s (right) top transfer target Marc Guehi (left)

New technical director Paul Mitchell (front) said, we are told, that he would supply the England star

Sources have also indicated that Mitchell had doubts whether Guehi was the only option and would have preferred more targets.

It all raises unanswered questions about relations within the club, as Mitchell and chief executive Darren Eales risk ending their first transfer window together on a negative note.

Howe has been told to focus on coaching the team since the arrival of Mitchell and the departure of his transfer allies Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi earlier this summer.

With players like Miguel Almiron not leaving, the Magpies are unable to strengthen their position on the right flank, a position Howe had identified as a priority heading into the transfer window.