NEWCASTLE UNITED are preparing an improved offer for Marc Guehi after their initial bid for the Crystal Palace defender was rejected at Selhurst Park.

The Magpies’ first bid for Guehi was turned down yesterday, with sources claiming Palace officials are holding out for around £65m for the England international.

Newcastle’s initial offer is understood to have been reasonably close to that amount, although the two clubs will also have to reach an agreement over the way in which the payment is structured and any additional add-ons that form part of the deal.

Newcastle’s recruitment team always expected negotiations to prove somewhat tricky, but there is a growing confidence that an agreement can be brokered ahead of the start of the Premier League season.

Having been given an extended break after playing for England at the European Championships, Guehi is due to return to pre-season training with Palace tomorrow.

Having accepted that they are unlikely to be able to hold on to the 24-year-old, who has two years of his current contract remaining, Palace officials are unlikely to want Guehi remaining within the squad for too long ahead of the start of the new campaign.

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Personal terms are not expected to present any problems, with the Newcastle hierarchy having given the green light to the move for Guehi in the knowledge that the move to a new accountancy period at the end of June means there is additional room for manoeuvre within the parameters of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Newcastle are also poised to complete the signing of William Osula, with the Sheffield United youngster having undergone a medical yesterday.

The Magpies are paying an initial fee of around £10m for Osula, who broke into the Blades’ senior ranks last season, with a further £5m of potential add-ons also having been agreed in relation to the 20-year-old.

Osula, who has been involved in the early stages of Sheffield United’s pre-season programme, will go straight into Eddie Howe’s first-team squad on Tyneside, and could even feature in this weekend’s Sela Weekender, which will see Newcastle complete their friendly schedule with matches against Girona and Brest. Newcastle Women are also in action at St James’ Park this weekend, taking on AC Milan.