Liverpool have been given reassurances of signing Marc Guehi before the transfer window shuts, despite a gap between the Reds' offer and Crystal Palace's valuation of the defender
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been reassured that a move for Marc Guehi will come off
(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Liverpool have been given encouragement that a deal to sign Marc Guehi will definitely happen before the summer transfer window ends. The Reds recently started talks with Crystal Palace over bringing the defender to Anfield.
An agreement has yet to be reached over a fee, as there is believed to be a wide gap between Liverpool's valuation of the player and how much the Eagles want. According to the Independent, Palace are asking for £45million for the centre-back, while the Premier League champions are refusing to budge from their offer of £35m, leaving a £10m chasm to bridge.
Speculation surrounding the future of Guehi, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Selhurst Park, increased rapidly last weekend. It followed claims that the 25-year-old snubbed Palace boss Oliver Glasner on the pitch following their goalless draw at Chelsea in the Premier League, though it has since been played down as a miscommunication.
And former Manchester United and Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster has expressed confidence that Guehi's move to Liverpool will happen, despite the difference in valuation between the two clubs. However, the ex-England international criticised the player's handling of the situation after accusing him of having a tantrum to force the switch.
Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, Foster said: "It's horrible and you know there's something big going on behind the scenes. I would be expecting to see Mark Guehi signing for Liverpool within the next week or two.
"I really, really would, because that is a very public falling out. That's the way that it goes, though, nowadays. Obviously the only way to get a move is by throwing your toys out of the pram."
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace
Confidence has been voiced over Marc Guehi's move to Liverpool from Crystal Palace
Guehi has more than 100 Premier League appearances under his belt, with Liverpool understood to be keen to strengthen the heart of their defence. His future was discussed by Glasner in mid-week, as well as that of Eberechi Eze, who looks set to sign for Arsenal after rejecting 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."
Addressing queries over his relationship with Guehi, he added: "I've seen so much nonsense written about this. 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."
Oliver Glasner watches Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi appeared to ignore Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner after the 0-0 draw with Chelsea
Despite Glasner's comments, Palace are claimed to be looking at potential replacements for Guehi. According to reports, the Eagles have added Club Brugge central defender Joel Ordonez to their shortlist, while also retaining a strong interest in Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande.
Palace co-owner Steve Parish admitted earlier this month that there was a chance Guehi would be sold this summer.
Speaking following the Community Shield at Wembley, he said: "Yes. Of course, for players of that calibre to leave on a free, it is a problem for a football club. There is no doubt about it, unfortunately.
"Joachim [Andersen] went and we couldn’t afford to lose both of them. We then had another bid in January, but that was a difficult situation as well. We will just have to see what happens. It needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind."