Liverpool is reportedly eyeing up Marc Guehi as Arne Slot consides his center-back options in light of Jarell Quansah's impending departure. The England Under-21s star, currently showcasing his skills at the European Championships, is on the brink of a switch to Bayer Leverkusen once the tournament wraps up.
This move will leave Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez as the only senior centre-backs available to partner Virgil van Dijk, with midfielder Wataru Endo also able to step into defence if needed.
The Reds are still hunting for a promising young center-back, having previously missed out on Levi Colwill, Leny Yoro and Dean Huijsen. However, they're prepared to bide their time to secure the right defender, even if that means not bringing in such a player this summer.
Interestingly, Liverpool is said to be keeping tabs on Crystal Palace skipper Guehi, whose contract expires next summer, making him an appealing prospect.
Newcastle United had up to four bids knocked back for the defender last summer, with the highest reaching £65m ($88M). But now, with just a year left on his contract, it's unlikely the Eagles will be able to command such a hefty price.
As Palace is working on a £40m ($54M) deal to bring in Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon, it seems they've accepted their captain's exit - either this summer or next - and are planning for life without him.
Guehi would reportedly leap at the chance to join Liverpool if given the opportunity, and it's been suggested that the England international might be willing to see out his contract at Selhurst Park before leaving as a free agent next summer.
Liverpool is keeping a close eye on his situation at Palace, considering whether a bargain deal could be possible this summer or if it should revisit its interest in a year when the 24-year-old will be available on a free transfer. This is when Virgil van Dijk will be halfway through his two-year contract extension and Ibrahima Konate may have left at the end of his current deal.
Jarell Quansah is set to leave Liverpool
Jarell Quansah is set to leave Liverpool (Image: 2025 DeFodi Images)
If Liverpool is to negotiate a bargain deal, it has a successful blueprint to follow from a similar situation in the past. In the summer of 2017, the Reds were keen on signing another England international who was in the final year of his contract.
Liverpool secured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a £35m ($48M) deal - potentially rising to £40m ($54M) with add-ons - from Arsenal in August 2017 after the midfielder made it clear he wouldn't be renewing his contract with the Gunners. He also turned down interest from Chelsea, expressing his desire to move to Anfield.
Eight years later, there are parallels with Guehi's current situation, given his interest in a move to Merseyside.
Admittedly, it would be a shock if the Reds managed to entice the center-back away from Selhurst Park for £35m ($48M). After all, it's been eight years since that Oxlade-Chamberlain transfer.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain of Besiktas
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain was snapped up by Liverpool (Image: Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Even accounting for inflation, it perhaps gives an indication of the rough figure Liverpool might be prepared to shell out for Guehi this summer if Palace decided to sell.
It's evident it can't hope to match the £65m ($88M) they previously turned down from Newcastle. But with the Eagles working on a deal for Diomande, they would likely expect to recoup their investment with a bit to spare to offload their wantaway captain.
Only time will reveal their exact demands and whether Liverpool would be prepared to meet such a price. But with both clubs expecting more changes at center-back this summer, securing Guehi is at least a market opportunity that could be seized.