Crystal Palace want to sign two central defenders this summer, according to Sami Mokbel, potentially opening the door for Marc Guehi’s Selhurst Park exit.
The Crystal Palace skipper is a target for Liverpool, and the Premier League champions have been in talks over a £35 million deal.
However, Eagles boss Oliver Glasner publicly insisted earlier this week that Guehi has to remain at Selhurst Park beyond deadline day.
Despite that stance, Palace officials have privately accepted that selling the England international may be the most realistic outcome.
Guehi has refused to extend his contract, which expires next summer, leaving Palace facing the risk of losing him for free.
The Eagles turned down a £65 million bid from Newcastle United last year but now find themselves under pressure to cash in.
Palace’s recruitment team are already working on replacements. Toulouse teenager Jaydee Canvot has emerged as a leading target, with negotiations at an advanced stage.
The French youth international is a long-term prospect.
Even after clinching Canvot, Glasner is also pushing for an experienced option to bolster his backline.
An approach has been made for Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, though the Switzerland defender reportedly has reservations about a move to Selhurst Park.
Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande remains the preferred choice, but financial constraints have so far blocked Palace from sealing a deal.
AS Roma’s Evan Ndicka is the contingency plan.
Crystal Palace should ask Liverpool for Joe Gomez
One way Palace can kill two birds with one stone is by asking Liverpool for defender Joe Gomez, who is surplus to requirements at Anfield.
The England international is down the pecking order for the Reds, but could prove an influential figure at the back for Palace.
Gomez has Premier League experience and would be a terrific acquisition for the Eagles if the club cannot secure any of its primary targets.