Liverpool's pursuit of Marc Guehi has hit a stumbling block, with Crystal Palace determined to demand a significant fee for their captain despite the defender entering the final year of his contract. The Premier League champions are in the market for a new centre-back after agreeing to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for around £34 million.
Guehi, 24, has emerged as Liverpool's primary target, but Palace are playing hardball. The Eagles rejected a £55 million bid plus £15 million in add-ons from Tottenham in January, and turned down an offer from Newcastle last summer. While they may not command the £65 million they sought then, Palace are still expected to hold out for a substantial fee.
Liverpool's interest comes amid uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate's future and Joe Gomez's situation. The Reds are also admirers of Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, but a deal is complicated by the bitter rivalry between the Merseyside clubs. Meanwhile, Palace are in talks to sign Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande for £40 million, which could free up Guehi's departure.
In other transfer news, Liverpool are close to signing Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, while Florian Wirtz is set to finalise a £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen, breaking the British transfer record.
