Marc Guehi: Keith Wyness suggests who is to blame for Newcastle deal collapsing
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted the new leadership group are to blame for Newcastle United’s failure to get Marc Guehi in the summer window.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed Magpies chiefs, who have recently succeeded Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, couldn’t “handle” Steve Parish and Crystal Palace in negotiations.
Football Insider first revealed on 17 August that Eddie Howe’s side would have to pay a fee in excess of £70million for Guehi – and Palace stood firm with their demand.
It is believed the Eagles will now open talks with their captain in the coming weeks as they attempt to deal interested clubs a big blow.
The England international was the top target for Newcastle, who couldn’t manage to get any alternative deals over the line in the final days of the window.
Newcastle chiefs to blame for £70m+ Guehi collapse, says Wyness
Darren Eales is the new chief executive at St James’ Park, while Paul Mitchell has been installed as the director of football.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I don’t think it was PSR which prevented the Guehi deal going through.
“I was convinced this deal would go through.
“Where I think Newcastle went wrong was the new leadership group at the club.
“Amanda Staveley and her husband had amazing negotiation skills, and I don’t think the new group coming in have managed to get it over the line.
“That’s my opinion.
“I think it was more a problem on the Newcastle side, handling Steve Parish and Crystal Palace, more than a problem with finances.
“I don’t think PSR is the villain in this issue. Newcastle will regret not getting this Guehi deal done.”
In other news, Newcastle agree defender transfer in new Kieran Trippier twist.
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