Liverpool are still pushing to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace this summer but there are issues at Selhurst Park which could have a bearing on where the England defender ends up
Liverpool continue in talks for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi
Liverpool continue in talks for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media, Getty Images)
Liverpool are pressing on with their pursuit of Marc Guehi as a transfer battle rages at Crystal Palace. Palace chairman Steve Parish has suggested they're prepared to sell Guehi despite already losing Eberechi Eze, who is poised to join Arsenal in a £67.5m switch with the winger undergoing a medical on Friday.
However, Palace manager Oliver Glasner has maintained they cannot afford to let Guehi depart Selhurst Park so late in the window when finding a replacement would prove challenging.
At the centre of the predicament lies Palace's concern that they could lose Guehi for nothing next summer after rejecting £70m offers for the England centre-back last year.
That choice may return to bite them as Newcastle were prepared to splash the cash for Guehi, who now has just 12 months remaining on his deal.
Despite the uncertainty, Liverpool maintain their interest in Guehi and are willing to strike a deal before this window closes but won't overpay knowing he'll become a free agent next summer, reports the Mirror.
It's difficult to envisage Liverpool spending more than £30m on the centre-back this summer whilst Palace still rate him closer to £45m with his contract winding down.
Parish said: "It's a difficult situation, everyone has to sell players to comply with the rules."
Glasner holds Guehi in high regard both as a footballer and his skipper and leader, which becomes even more crucial now that Eze has departed. Glasner, speaking following Palace's Europa Conference League victory over Fredrikstad on Thursday evening, said: "If Marc leaves maybe I will try my boots because I was a centre back. We have to act. It's Crystal Palace's future and we need to add numbers."
The Reds remain in contact regarding Guehi, whom they view as a solid, experienced and calm defender with significant potential at Anfield.
Despite substantial summer expenditure, they have also offloaded players and retain capacity to secure Guehi and Newcastle's Alexander Isak before the transfer window closes if the fees are viable.
However, they will not be exploited financially as they understand they can pursue him next year without a fee, though other clubs are likely to be attracted to a prominent England defender available on a free transfer.
Palace's worries concerning Guehi have been amplified by Eze's looming exit, with the England international poised to join Arsenal this weekend. Even though the pair would fetch over £112m if Palace's financial demands were met, the London club are aware they will be extremely difficult to replace.