Liverpool are set to win the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, it has been claimed. The 24-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Selhurst Park and there is an expectation that he is going to leave the club, unless he signs a new deal, in the summer transfer window.
Guehi has been linked with a shock return to Chelsea. The England international, who made just two first-team appearances before leaving the Blues on a permanent deal in July 2021, has been excellent for Palace over the last couple of years and there has been talk that he could move back to Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham also made a late £65million bid to sign Guehi in January but Palace rejected the proposal. Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle United are among the others that have shown interest in Guehi, who impressed for England at Euro 2024 and has become one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
But now, it appears Liverpool have pipped their rivals to sign Guehi. According to The Mirror, Guehi's preferred destination is Anfield and he wants to join Arne Slot's Reds. It's added that the former Swansea City loanee is now expected to turn down offers to make the move to Liverpool this summer.
Newcastle are aware of Guehi's preference - less than 48 hours before the Magpies face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon. Guehi could be a direct replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who is out of contract this summer, or a potential new partner for the Dutchman in central defence.
Speaking about his future at the start of the season, Guehi said: "If I had a magic wand to sort everything out in an instant I would, but I don’t. You can’t control any exterior noise. I just focus on my football and giving my best.
"I want to play as long as possible. If I could play to 40, great. I have stopped trying to figure out where I end up [in my career] because you can get too wrapped up in those things.
"I’ve had a few goals that didn’t go quite right, saying at this age I should be here. That's a bit too presumptuous. Everyone has their own journey."