Liverpool continue to hold talks with Crystal Palace over a move for centre-back Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace looks on
Liverpool transfer target Marc Guehi(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Marc Guehi will be available to play for Liverpool in the Champions League should he make a move to Anfield - despite being poised to feature for Crystal Palace in Europe. Guehi will line up for Palace in their first-ever major European tie when they entertain Fredrisktad of Norway in their Conference League play-off first leg on Thursday evening.
Palace had qualified for the Europa League after beating Manchester City in last season's FA Cup final, only to be demoted to the Conference League due to UEFA multi-club rules following a complaint from Nottingham Forest, who have replaced them in the competition.
Liverpool opened talks last week with Palace over a move for Guehi although it is believed the Londoners are currently asking far in excess of what the Reds are willing to offer for a player who has entered the last 12 months of his contract.
There had been fears among some Reds fans that by featuring in Europe for Palace, Guehi would be cup-tied for the Champions League opening stage should he make a move to Anfield.
However, UEFA rules stipulate that a player who features in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League can then play for another club in European competition from the league stage onwards.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner spoke on Wednesday ahead of his team's European debut and addressed the futures of both Guehi and Eberechi Eze, who is interesting Tottenham Hotspur.
"Most of you will be surprised that they will start again tomorrow because of all the rumours," said Glasner.
"But they are committed here and they will play a crucial part.
"We deserve to play Europa League, but we got demoted and we will play Conference League. We will enjoy it."
Glasner also spoke on speculation over his relationship with Guehi after claims the defender was spotted snubbing the Palace boss after Sunday's goalless Premier League draw at Chelsea.
"I’ve seen so much nonsense written about this," he said.
"Marc was upset that he didn’t win the game and I loved this. It’s the best sign that he could show of how ambitious we are."