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Leverkusen set to accelerate Quansah interest

Jarell Quansah in action for LiverpoolGetty Images

Sami Mokbel

Senior football correspondent

Bayer Leverkusen are set to accelerate their interest in Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.

Leverkusen and Liverpool have been locked in talks over the Premier League club's £116 million move for Florian Wirtz, which could be completed by the start of next week with the Germany international's medical imminent.

The clubs have continued contact regarding Quansah, though Liverpool are not actively trying to sell the centre-back.

The 22-year-old found his first-team opportunities limited last season and a move could interest the defender, who has been named in senior England squads.

Liverpool have an interest in Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi, who could be viewed as a replacement for Quansah.

BBC Sport understands that the Anfield club's level of interest in England international Guehi this summer is linked to Palace's asking price for the defender.

Last year, Palace rejected four offers from Newcastle with the final one reaching £65m. However, Guehi has just 12 months left on his deal meaning he can leave for nothing next summer.

If a deal for Guehi can not be reached during this transfer window, Liverpool would be interested in landing the centre-back on a free next summer.

In addition to Quansah's possible move to Germany, there is also some uncertainty over fellow centre-back Ibrahima Konate's future.

France defender Konate has 12 months left on his contract at Anfield and is yet to agree an extension, while Joe Gomez's future is also unclear this summer.

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