Liverpool have identified Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi as their primary defensive target and are preparing a monumental summer swoop, the Mirror can exclusively reveal.
New Anfield boss Arne Slot is keen to build his defence around the 23-year-old England international, with a formal bid in the region of £60 million expected to be tabled in the coming weeks.
Palace's Stance on a Potential Deal
Crystal Palace are braced for significant interest in their prized asset but will demand a colossal fee for his services. The club's hierarchy, including chairman Steve Parish, is renowned for their tough negotiating stance and will only sanction a sale if their valuation is met in full.
Guehi's current contract at Selhurst Park still has two years remaining, placing the South London club in a strong position to command a premium transfer fee for one of the league's most promising centre-halves.
Why Guehi is Liverpool's Number One Target
The recruitment team at Liverpool, led by returning sporting director Michael Edwards, views Guehi as the ideal long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. His profile as a ball-playing, right-sided central defender who is already proven in the Premier League and on the international stage makes him a perfect fit for Slot's system.
His impressive performances for Gareth Southgate's England have only heightened his reputation, making a major transfer this summer seem increasingly inevitable.
Competition and the Road Ahead
While Liverpool are now firmly in the driving seat, they are aware that other top clubs could enter the race. Guehi's consistent form has not gone unnoticed across Europe, meaning the Reds will be eager to move quickly and decisively to secure his signature.
All eyes will now be on whether Liverpool's anticipated £60 million offer will be enough to persuade Crystal Palace to part with their defensive linchpin, in what promises to be one of the sagas of the transfer window.
