NEWCASTLE United look set to admit defeat in their pursuit of Marc Guehi - with the Magpies now facing the very real possibility of failing to further strengthen their squad ahead of Friday's deadline.
Eddie Howe admitted earlier this week that United wouldn't be able to sign both a central defender and right-winger - but they now look increasingly likely to end up with neither.
The Magpies tabled a club record offer of £65m plus a further £5m in add-ons for Guehi, their top defensive target, but Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish has stood firm and held out for a higher bid, despite the fact the England international has moved into the last two years of his contract at Selhurst Park.
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Talks were also further complicated this week after Chadi Riad suffered a knee injury in the Carabao Cup and Palace don't want to leave themselves short at the back.
Guehi has been keen on the Newcastle move but hasn't agitated for the switch and told of his pride after being named Crystal Palace captain.
The Magpies lined up other potential defensive targets a couple of weeks ago but are now unlikely to pursue any other centre-halves ahead of tomorrow's 11pm deadline.
Howe said he had "no update" when quizzed on transfers after Wednesday night's Carabao Cup success at Nottingham Forest.
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