Crystal Palace is bracing itself for a formal bid from Liverpool for Marc Guehi, as negotiations with Sporting CP continue over a potential deal for his successor, Ousmane Diomande.
With Guehi nearing the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, the Eagles are prepared to cash in on their player following last month's historic FA Cup victory, rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in 2026. Liverpool isn't the only club showing interest in the 24-year-old, but the Premier League champion is now emerging as the frontrunner to secure Guehi's services.
Meanwhile, Palace is ramping up its pursuit of Ivory Coast international Diomande. The 21-year-old reportedly has a £68 million ($91.7 million) release clause in his Sporting contract. While Palace isn't ready to fork out that sum, it's willing to break its club record to bring the talented center-back on board.
Progress has already been made on personal terms; Diomande is receptive to the move, and Palace has a good relationship with the player's agency, ROOF, which also represents left wing-back Tyrick Mitchell.
It's understood that Palace boss Oliver Glasner has personally greenlit a move for Diomande, confident in his significant potential and crucially, his ability to adapt to multiple roles within the Austrian's three-man defensive line.
Newcastle, which has shown an interest in Guehi for some time, is also a fan of Diomande, and Ruben Amorim's former star has been linked with Manchester United in the past year. However, Palace seems to be leading the race after intensifying its pursuit over the last 48 hours.
Ousmane Diomande is on Crystal Palace's radar
Ousmane Diomande is on Crystal Palace's radar (Image: Getty Images)
Negotiations are underway, and while discussions between the clubs have commenced, there is a significant difference in valuation that needs to be resolved before a deal can be struck.
Offloading Guehi would certainly enhance the Eagles' financial clout, although Liverpool has indicated it would be willing to wait a year to secure its target on a free transfer, if necessary.
The England defender has also attracted attention from Arsenal and his former club Chelsea, but Liverpool appears ready to step up its efforts to secure Guehi's signature as Jarrell Quansah nears a move to German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Slot is eager to strengthen his defensive line-up, and Liverpool had previously considered Bournemouth's rising star Dean Huijsen before the Spaniard chose to join Real Madrid.
Interest in Ajax's Jorrel Hato is still active, especially with Andy Robertson attracting serious attention from Atletico Madrid.
Hato, who is also on Chelsea and Arsenal's radar, can play either as a center-back or left-back.
Ibrahima Konate is also on the brink of entering the final 12 months of his contract next month. While further negotiations over a new deal are anticipated, there's a strong possibility he could see out his Anfield contract amid interest from Real Madrid.
The Reds are set to confirm the signing of Florian Wirtz, who is currently in the North West undergoing his medical examinations, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is also expected to follow suit.