Liverpool are intensifying their pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Premier League champions are prepared to offer over £30 million to secure his signature.
The transfer, however, remains contingent on Palace identifying a replacement before sanctioning the deal.
Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Guehi moved to England at a young age and has represented the Three Lions at senior level.
The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League since joining Palace from Chelsea.
Romano explained the situation on Sunday: “Understand Liverpool remain in active talks to sign Marc Guehi immediately.
“Liverpool are ready to pay over £30m now to get the deal done… but it depends on Crystal Palace. If Palace find a replacement and let him go, Guehi has already said yes to the Reds.”
The urgency stems from the fact that the transfer window closes in less than a week, with Liverpool pushing to complete two deals before the deadline. Alongside their pursuit of Guehi, the club are working on a British record move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
Crystal Palace, however, continue to value Guehi at £40 million, with reports suggesting that a package closer to £30 million plus £5 million in add-ons is viewed as a more realistic figure.
Chairman Steve Parish hinted last week that the club would consider selling if contract talks did not progress.
“If he doesn’t want to sign a contract, then we have to look at it,” Parish said after Palace’s recent victory over Fredrikstad FK.
With Guehi entering the final year of his contract, the pressure is mounting on Palace to make a decision. Liverpool, meanwhile, are hopeful negotiations will yield a breakthrough before Monday’s deadline.
