Eddie Howe has underwhelming alternative on shortlist if Marc Guehi January approach fails

Marc Guehi is Eddie Howe’s first-choice central defender.

The 46-year-old tried to sign the Crystal Palace centre-back in the summer but saw four bids, including one worth £70 million, turned down.

The Eagles obviously want to keep hold of the England international and have hopes of extending his contract, which is due to expire in 18 months.

The 24-year-old has yet to agree to terms though, and that is set to reignite Newcastle’s interest.

Readying more negotiations once the January transfer window opens, the Magpies are hoping to land their man once and for all.

Eddie Howe adds Wout Faes to list of Marc Guehi alternatives

And according to a recent report from Football Insider, not only could Howe be successful in his pursuit but the Geordies could agree to a cut-price deal.

However, although Guehi is the Magpies’ top target, keen to avoid a repeat situation which saw them fail to bring in any centre-back in the summer, Howe has eyes on two possible alternatives, including Leicester City’s Wout Faes.

Having conceded 14 domestic goals already this season, the Foxes, with Faes at the back, have one of the country’s leakiest defences, so suggestions Howe wants to sign him in place of Guehi will undoubtedly disappoint fans.

RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is the other name on Howe’s shortlist.