Newcastle are cautiously optimistic Marc Guéhi will start the season as a key component of their squad. Negotiations with Crystal Palace over the England defender’s proposed £60m-plus move are believed to be progressing well and, crucially, Guéhi has indicated he is extremely keen on relocating to St James’ Park. The 24-year-old is due to rejoin Palace’s first-team squad for pre-season training on Wednesday after his exertions with England at the European Championship in Germany but could soon be rerouted to Newcastle. Although an agreement is still to be reached with Palace and until certain details are finalised the move remains in danger of being hijacked, Newcastle are in touching distance of completing a marquee signing. Guéhi was one of England’s best performers at Euro 2024 and is regarded as an ideal long-term partner for Sven Botman by Newcastle. With Botman recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament repair, recruiting a central defender has been a priority for Newcastle and they hope a deal for Guéhi could be completed this weekend. Although Palace rejected Newcastle’s opening bid last week, it seems they are minded to cash in on a player with two years remaining on his contract and an apparent desire to leave. A move north-east when Guéhi has attracted a number of admirers, Liverpool included, would represent quite a coup for Paul Mitchell, Newcastle’s new sporting director. It would also reassure Eddie Howe of the club’s ambition at a time when he looms large on the Football Association’s shortlist to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager. West Ham have signed the defensive midfielder Guido Rodríguez on a free after his departure from Real Betis. He was part of the Argentina squads that won the World Cup in 2022, and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles. The 30-year-old’s arrival was described by West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, as “a big statement of intent”. Norwich City have signed the ­Manchester City defender Callum Doyle on a season’s loan. The 20-year-old has had loans with Sunderland, Coventry and Leicester.