Liverpool should prioritise their backline over the ongoing pursuit of Alexander Isak, insists talkSPORT host Jeff Stelling.
The Reds had 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha to thank as they edged a 3-2 thriller against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Monday.
Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak is currently at a standstill with just six days of the window remaining
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Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak is currently at a standstill with just six days of the window remainingCredit: Getty
But Liverpool’s defensive frailties were laid bare as they let slip a two-goal lead despite the Magpies playing the entire second half with 10 men.
The brief collapse was reminiscent of Liverpool's 4-2 opening day victory over Bournemouth when they gave up a two-goal lead before eventually getting over the line.
Boss Arne Slot has invested heavily in bolstering his attack this summer with the combined £190million signings of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike.
That amount could further rise should Liverpool find a breakthrough in the long-running Isak transfer saga.
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However, talkSPORT’s Stelling believes the Premier League champions should look to prioritise their defence before making any last-ditch moves for the Swede.
“My biggest concern is what he [Slot] does with his defence,” Stelling said. “For me, whatever the asking price is for Marc Guehi, then for me Liverpool need to go out and buy him today."
The Crystal Palace defender’s future remains unclear despite rumoured interest from Anfield.
Guehi is into the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park with no plans to enter into contract extension discussions.
Crystal Palace have no intention of offloading their captain before Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off second leg against Fredrikstad on Thursday.
However, chairman Steve Parish has made it clear that the club will entertain a sale for the right price to avoid losing the star for free next summer.
Jeff Stelling has urged Liverpool to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi
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Jeff Stelling has urged Liverpool to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc GuehiCredit: talkSPORT
Guehi is into the final year of this contract and could move before the end of the transfer window
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Guehi is into the final year of this contract and could move before the end of the transfer windowCredit: Getty
Meanwhile, talkSPORT understands Palace are interested in Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, who could be seen as a possible replacement.
Asked if Liverpool should move for Guehi ahead of Isak, Stelling instantly responded 'yes' before encouraging the Reds to go for the Swede once a deal for Guehi had been wrapped up.
“There’s no reason with Liverpool why it should be either or. They’ve done plenty of outgoing business," Stelling added.
“I’m sure PSR would allow them to bring in both Guehi and Isak.”
Liverpool may need to move quickly for Guehi with Manchester City also showing interest in the England international.
The Eagles are also eyeing highly rated Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot who would set them back £18m.
Arne Slot says he is pleased with his attacking options even without Isak
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Arne Slot says he is pleased with his attacking options even without IsakCredit: Getty
Do Liverpool really need Isak to launch a title challenge?
Slot claims that he is happy with his attacking options regardless of whether Isak joins the club before next Monday’s transfer deadline.
The Dutch coach even presented the idea of playing Wirtz as a false nine if needed.
"It depends how you want to look at it," Slot said. "If you want to add Florian Wirtz as an attacking option then you can make it five.
"So yeah, we've sold Darwin and brought in Hugo. Lucho (Diaz) has gone, you can maybe see Florian as a replacement for that. And, yes, we all know what happened to Diogo (Jota).
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"If you look at it like this, maybe we haven't [got enough] but Jeremie Frimpong, when he is fit, is definitely an option to play as a winger as well, so then we end up at six forwards.
"I think I said it already, we have six players that can play in three positions. That is the answer, yes, I'm happy."