Ipswich Town is currently in negotiations with Chelsea regarding a potential loan deal for striker Armando Broja.
These discussions are believed to be in the early stages, with no formal agreement reached yet.
Chelsea, however, seems to prefer a permanent transfer rather than another loan spell for the striker.
Broja, who came through Chelsea’s academy, has attracted interest from several clubs, including Everton, Southampton, Stuttgart, and at least one Italian team.
Broja’s future at Chelsea has been uncertain, particularly under the management of Enzo Maresca.
The striker, along with several other players, has been training separately from the first team after being informed that he does not feature in Maresca’s plans for the upcoming season.
This situation has left Broja exploring his options, with a move away from Stamford Bridge increasingly likely.
Last season, Broja spent the latter half of the campaign on loan at Fulham, where he gained valuable playing time, though it was clear that a long-term future at Chelsea might not be on the cards.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United has intensified their efforts to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, having submitted a fourth bid for the highly-rated centre-back.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Newcastle’s third offer, which was valued at £55 million plus an additional £5 million in performance-related add-ons, was rejected by Crystal Palace on Thursday.
Despite the rejection, Newcastle remains determined to secure Guehi’s signature, as he continues to be manager Eddie Howe’s top target for strengthening the defense.
Crystal Palace, however, has set a high valuation for the 24-year-old England international, reportedly demanding £65 million.
Steve Parish, the chairman of Crystal Palace, made it clear earlier this week that any club wishing to sign Guehi would need to meet their asking price.
Parish emphasized Guehi’s status as a “superstar player” and stated that such talent commands “superstar money.”
This statement was directed at Newcastle, which has been pursuing Guehi throughout the transfer window but has yet to meet Palace’s financial demands.
Guehi’s potential move to Newcastle highlights the club’s ambition to bolster their defensive lineup as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.
The defender has garnered attention for his consistent performances in the Premier League, establishing himself as one of the league’s top young centre-backs.
His ability to read the game, coupled with his composure on the ball, has made him a key figure at Crystal Palace, and his departure would represent a significant loss for the London club.
For Newcastle, securing Guehi would be a major coup, particularly as they aim to solidify their defense and build on last season’s performance.
Eddie Howe sees Guehi as the ideal addition to his squad, bringing both youth and experience to the backline.
However, with the transfer window still open, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will meet Crystal Palace’s valuation or if they will explore alternative options should negotiations reach an impasse.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of these transfer talks as both Ipswich’s pursuit of Broja and Newcastle’s efforts to sign Guehi continue to unfold.
