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The fight for defensive reinforcements is heating up again in Europe.
Top sides know they cannot afford to wait until the window opens.
Too many clubs need centre-backs. Too many players are nearing the end of their contracts. And too many rivals are prepared to move fast.
This has created a familiar situation.
A handful of teams are chasing the same profile. Some want stability after injuries. Others want fresh competition in the back line.
And a few want long-term replacements for ageing defenders.
That mix has pushed one name to the front of the market. Liverpool are involved.
But so are other major sides, and none of them want to fall behind.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is heading into the final months of his contract.
He can speak to clubs outside England in just over a month.
He was ready to join Liverpool on deadline day and was frustrated when the move did not happen.
Now the situation has shifted.
He is in a strong position. He will likely have several options.
Liverpool have not stepped back.
They sent a fresh bid to Palace this week, but the club have not responded.
Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation.
Their stance is clear.
They “believe Liverpool are heavy favourites for his signature.”
Barcelona have also checked in. They have “sounded out Guehi,” and he is on their shortlist for a left-side option.
Their issue is the salary limit, but they have not ruled anything out.
The new twist comes from Spain.
Atletico Madrid have now entered the race.
They are “paying very close attention” and are “very interested” in signing him, according to Matteo Moretto on RadioMarca.
“The latest news is that Atlético Madrid has also contacted his representatives, revealed the Italian journalist, who placed the Madrid club in a difficult position, There are English teams, Bayern Munich, Barcelona… but also Atlético, who are very attentive and very interested.”
They want another statement addition in defence, especially with Jose María Giménez entering his later years.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone also spoke about squad depth this week, saying, “Johnny Cardoso? I imagine he thought he wasn’t going to play, and suddenly he found himself having to start.”
“He did exactly what we expected from the player he is.”
“We believe in him, we trust him, and we expect him to back up what we say with performances.”
For Liverpool, the battle is alive.
The competition is serious.
And the window is getting closer.
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