NEWCASTLE UNITED are considering moving for Liverpool’s Joe Gomez as an alternative to Marc Guehi.
The pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Guehi, 24, is ongoing despite a fourth bid being rejected, but they could now switch their attention to his fellow England international.
Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving player, was linked with a move to St James’ Park as part of a swap deal that would have seen Anthony Gordon head to Anfield earlier in the summer.
Toon then started their pursuit of Guehi but are now believed to be considering targeting £45m-rated Gomez, 27, instead.
The versatile ace was left out of Liverpool’s win at Ipswich on Saturday to assess his future, although he has not asked to leave and manager Arne Slot is not actively looking to sell.
But Newcastle’s need for defensive reinforcements has been heightened with Fabian Schar’s upcoming three-match ban for headbutting Ben Brereton Diaz.
They could also face a fight to sign him with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa and Fulham also keen.
Gomez came through the academy at Charlton before he made the move to Anfield in 2015.
Since making his debut for the Reds, the defender has appeared 224 times for the club in all competitions.
A new centre-back remains boss Eddie Howe’s top priority at present but the cheaper option of Gomez would free up funds to invest elsewhere in the side.
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Toon are also keen on bringing in a new right-winger and like Barcelona’s ex-Manchester City ace Ferran Torres, along with several others in that position, but any potential move looks a non-starter.
The winger, 24, started their opening LaLiga game of the season and is rated at £25.5m by Nou Camp chiefs.
But despite talk of Toon preparing an attractive proposal to try and tempt him back to England, his representatives have let it be known within the Spanish media that he wants to stay and fight for his place with Barca.
Last season, Torres made 42 appearances in all competitions and scored 11 goals.
During his time in the Premier League, the forward scored 16 goals and added six assists in 43 games.
