Liverpool Pursues Crystal Palace Captain Marc Guehi Amid Defensive Shortfalls

Liverpool are actively pursuing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi amid their pressing need for defensive reinforcements after selling Jarell Quansah and facing injuries to Joe Gomez. Palace chairman Steve Parish has confirmed that Guehi, who is in the final year of his contract, will be sold this transfer window if the right offer arrives, with the club reportedly seeking around £35 million, down from earlier valuations near £50 million. Despite previous bids from Newcastle and Tottenham reaching up to £70 million being rejected, Palace acknowledge the risk of losing Guehi on a free next summer, making a sale more likely. Liverpool also have an eye on Parma's young defender Giovanni Leoni as a potential long-term solution to succeed Virgil van Dijk. Guehi's future remains uncertain, with his decision on a new contract or transfer yet to be resolved, and both Liverpool and Chelsea are interested in him following injury concerns in their defensive ranks. The ongoing transfer talks have been underscored by recent on-field encounters, including the Community Shield, where Guehi's performance and the clubs' negotiations have drawn significant attention.