Marc Guehi insists he is not distracted by ongoing speculation over his future, despite three bids made by Newcastle United for the Crystal Palace star.
The 24-year-old was already being linked with big clubs last season and transfer talk has only increased after an impressive summer with England at Euro 2024.
The centre-back was one of the Three Lions’ most impressive players on their run to the final in Germany, partnering John Stones in the middle of defence.
Newcastle have made their move, with their latest bid worth £55m, with £5m in add-ons, but Palace are holding out for closer to £70m, while almost all the top clubs in England have been linked with the former Chelsea man.
The Premier League season gets underway this weekend, with the Eagles going to Brentford on Sunday and Guehi says he can put the speculation to one side and focus on performing.
‘I can, I’ve been doing it my whole life really,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘I’ve never really been one to be looking too much into myself, if that makes sense.
‘But I think it’s always important to focus on what truly is important, and that’s the game at the weekend, making sure that for the rest of the season as a team we’re at it.’
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has spoken about Guehi’s future this week, saying that if any club wants one of his star men, they will need to spend big.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Tuesday, Parish did not rule out the transfer but stated it was a long way off: ‘Nobody has got to the valuation yet. If you want a superstar player you need to pay superstar money. We’re nowhere near the point where we have to make a decision. We’ll cross that bridge if we get to it.
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‘We love having him and would love to keep him. If we start the season with him we’ll be a better team no doubt. He’s a generational talent.
‘Everybody’s wishes need to be taken into account. If someone else wants to have him they need to make it really difficult for us and at the moment that’s not the situation we’re in.’
On the comments from his chairman, Guehi said: ‘Humbled, humbled by that. For someone that is such a big part of this football club, for him to say something like that is amazing, for someone like me.
‘I’m not sure I’m a superstar, but some really kind words from the chairman, so it’s really nice to hear that.’
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