England defender Marc Guehi has previously spoken out about Liverpool's quality while he is believed to be keen on a move to Anfield as a summer transfer from Crystal Palace grows more likely
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Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Crystal Palace FC at The King Power Stadium
Marc Guehi has delivered his verdict on a potential transfer to Liverpool
(Image: Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool appear to be edging nearer to landing Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi after a reported breakthrough in their hunt for a top centre-half ahead of the summer.
Guehi, 24, has been one of the most in-demand defenders on the market for some time now, and The Mirror report the Reds are now expected to beat the likes of Carabao Cup final opponents Newcastle and long-term admirers Tottenham to his signature.
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It's not the first time Liverpool have been in for the player in recent years, but Arne Slot now appears poised to succeed where predecessor Jurgen Klopp could not.
Anfield is purportedly Guehi's preferred destination if he is to finally leave Selhurst Park this summer, which could prove to be perfect timing for Liverpool. Virgil van Dijk's future on Merseyside is still up in the air as he enters the final months of his current contract, which would leave a considerable hole in Slot's defence.
It bodes well for Liverpool that Guehi has also been complimentary of the club in the past too, and he clearly holds respect for the trophy-chasing Reds. Slot is on course to win the Premier League as his side sit 15 points clear with nine games to play, while he can land his first piece of silverware with the Reds if they beat Newcastle in Sunday's Carabao Cup final. Victory at Wembley would serve as another signal to Guehi that Liverpool is the smarter choice ahead of signing for Eddie Howe's team.
Speaking about facing Liverpool back in 2023 to Palace TV, the Eagles star didn't hold back with his praise as he said: "I don't think there's any good time to play Liverpool, really. Everyone knows how strong they are as a team, they've got some fantastic players."
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Arne Slot has reportedly picked up Jurgen Klopp's interest in Guehi(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Klopp was still at the Anfield helm when the English giants first went in for the centre-back, who joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021 for an £18million fee.
Guehi was reported to be at the top of Klopp's wish list back at the start of 2024 as a long-term replacement for Joel Matip, as the former boss felt the Palace man could serve as a worthy successor. And while Matip has since left Liverpool, the Reds' interest in the England international is believed to be alive and well as Van Dijk potentially heads for the exit himself.
Klopp's departure likely played a significant role in why Liverpool didn't advance their interest in the defender last summer. And after keeping the purse strings incredibly tight in his first summer at the helm, Slot – who will know predecessor Klopp is a fan of top target Guehi too – may have more considerable funds available to strengthen his squad later this year, particularly if his side win the league title at the first time of asking.
Virgil van Dijk speaks to the PSG president after the final whistle
Van Dijk was spotted speaking to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and director Luis Campos at Anfield
Meanwhile, Van Dijk – who turns 34 in July – has sought to ease fans' concerns over his own situation after saying: "As long as I am calm to you guys, there is no need to panic, whatever may happen in the future. If I was worried you would see me playing a little bit worried, that is not the case."
Supporters raised concerns after Van Dijk was seen speaking to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and director Luis Campos in the Anfield tunnels following Liverpool's Champions League exit to the French powerhouse. However, it has since been reported Van Dijk was merely offering his apologies for a comment he made to Campos after the first leg.
Liverpool have high hopes for 22-year-old prospect Jarell Quansah, while Ibrahima Konate has impressed as the partner of choice to Van Dijk. However, signing a player like Guehi – whose Palace side boast the third-best defensive record in the Premier League this season – would go a long way to salving the blow if Van Dijk were to leave.