Liverpool emerge as preferred destination for English-Ivorian defender Marc Guehi despite Newcastle interest

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is reportedly keen on joining Liverpool despite interest from Newcastle United, as he eyes a significant step forward in his career ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Guehi, who is of Ivorian descent and was born in Abidjan before moving to England at a young age, has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

With no sign of a renewal in sight, the 25-year-old is understood to be pushing for a transfer to a top-six Premier League club.

Palace have not received any formal bids yet, but have set a £50 million asking price for the England international.

Reports from The Standard and The Express indicate that Guehi has made clear his preference to join Liverpool, who are actively searching for a central defender before the close of the transfer window.

The Reds, under new manager Arne Slot, have already spent over £300 million this summer but remain in need of defensive reinforcements following the early-window exit of Jarell Quansah.

Newcastle United have also shown interest in the centre-back, though journalist Paul Joyce reports that the Magpies, like Liverpool, are reluctant to meet Palace’s valuation.

Newcastle have bolstered their attack with the signing of Hugo Ekitike and continue to pursue Alexander Isak, leaving questions about their financial flexibility in the market.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s urgency may increase as they contend with absences to senior defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez due to illness and injury.

Guehi is expected to play against Liverpool in Sunday’s Community Shield fixture, a match that could serve as an informal audition in front of Slot and the Anfield hierarchy.

With time running out and competition for his signature, Palace risk losing Guehi on a free transfer next summer should a deal not materialise in this window.