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Liverpool will face competition for Marc Guehi next summer if they cannot agree an immediate deal with Crystal Palace, Rousing The Kop understands.
The Reds are in negotiations with Palace over a transfer for Guehi, with the two sides yet to agree on a fee.
Liverpool are understood to be looking for a deal worth no more than £30m, which is around £10m below Crystal Palace’s asking price for the centre-back.
Despite the current difference in valuation, RTK understands Liverpool have received encouragement from Palace that an agreement which suits everyone can still be reached.
The Eagles fear the prospect of losing Guehi on a free transfer and, as a result, talks between the two clubs are continuing.
However, while Palace are understood to be keen on selling their captain at this juncture, RTK has been told that a transfer is currently seen as ‘possible’ rather than ‘probable.’
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Liverpool not guaranteed to sign Marc Guehi
As Liverpool can sign Guehi on a free transfer in 12 months time, they see Palace’s current asking price as being excessive.
Nevertheless, if the Reds fail to meet the Eagles’ demands, they could lose out on the player altogether.
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RTK understands that while Liverpool will remain favourites to sign Guehi should he play out the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and leave for nothing, it is far from guaranteed.
Both Bayern Munich and Barcelona are known admirers of Guehi, and while neither are currently in a position to move for the England international, the same will not be true next summer.
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Guehi is understood to have had some hesitations over potential playing time at Anfield, and although he would be happy to join if a fee is agreed in the next ten days, he would have other options next summer.
Meanwhile, a January sale is understood to have been completely ruled out as things stand.
Could Liverpool target someone else?
Liverpool’s centre-back situation has been the source of much scrutiny this summer.
But RTK understands that after the signing of Giovanni Leoni, the Reds are comfortable to head into the season ahead with what they have.
Clearly, a late move for Guehi is still very much on the agenda, but should Palace stand firm on their asking price, Liverpool are unlikely to move for an alternative.
The picture could be different next year should Ibrahima Konate leave on a free, with Joe Gomez’s long-term future also uncertain. For now, though, it is Guehi or bust for Liverpool.