LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej)
Marc Guehi has been a long-term target for Liverpool
Liverpool are all set to beat Newcastle - in the battle for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
There is a Kop-Toon confrontation on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. But they are also rivals for England’s Guehi, 24, and it’s understood that Liverpool is the preferred destination for the Palace defender.
Mirror Football can also reveal that Newcastle are aware of that, too, and a deal to take Guehi to Anfield is expected to be struck in the summer. The main rivals to the Premier League leaders now look to be Chelsea, where Guehi started his career.
But there could be late interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham. All four have also been assessing Guehi, after his standout season at Palace and development with England on the international stage.
Newcastle told how they can keep Alexander Isak as Liverpool would 'bite their hands off'
[
Liverpool boss Arne Slot hints at replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-boss-arne-slot-hints-34865633)
Liverpool, though, are favourites for cup success on Sunday and are also in pole position for Guehi, whose contract expires in June 2026.
The 24-year-old could be a direct replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who confirmed in midweek that he doesn't know where he'll be playing his football next season. Van Dijk, like team-mates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah, has entered the final three months of his deal at Anfield.
"I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment," Van Dijk said after Liverpool's Champions League exit in midweek. "It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There's just ... I keep saying the same thing. Listen, there are ten games to go, and that is my full focus.
"If there is news, you guys will know it. I don't even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment, I don't even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face."
Would Marc Guehi be a good signing for Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section.
Virgil van Dijk's contract is set to expire in June ( Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Guehi made himself a regular for England last year, starring at the European Championship under Gareth Southgate. On Friday, he was included in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad ahead of their World Cup qualifying doubler-header against Albania and Latvia.
His performances for Palace have helped fire Oliver Glasner's side into European contention, although his season could've been different had he completed a move to St James' Park. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe opened up on their failed attempts to sign Guehi last summer on the Up Front podcast.
"He wasn't the only target," Howe explained. "I think a lot goes on into a summer. You never just have one target. That wouldn't be right. We went into the summer with several targets. We tried to sign two or three other players. We didn't get them. We ended up, ultimately, towards the end of the window, with one target, and we didn't get him, so that was it."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package £35 (was £43)
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.