Liverpool get boost in Marc Guehi transfer chase with Crystal Palace talks imminent

Liverpool are in a position to ramp up their interest in Marc Guehi after agreeing a £35million deal to sell their homegrown defender, Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

The Reds have emerged as serious contenders in the race for Guehi's signature with the 24-year-old now approaching the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park. But there are other clubs lurking, too, including Arsenal and Newcastle, the latter of whom saw substantial bids for the England star rejected last summer.

It was outlined earlier this week that Liverpool were unlikely to pursue anything with Guehi until a deal for Quansah was done.

And following a prompt resolution to negotiations with Leverkusen over a third transfer between the two clubs this summer, the Premier League champions are now, theoretically, in a position to make their move for Guehi.

Mirror Football revealed on Friday that Crystal Palace are braced for an imminent approach for their star defender from their domestic rivals.

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But it's understood that Liverpool will not be held to ransom over a price for Guehi, who was valued in excess of £60million by the FA Cup holders last summer when Newcastle came calling.

The Reds have already spent well over £100m this summer after completing deals for Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, who could end up costing a British record £116m.

And with a further £40m swoop mooted for Milos Kerkez, the Bournemouth left-back, it's easy to see why Liverpool will not commit to big money for a player who could be available for free next summer.

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It remains to be seen if Palace will play hardball and risk losing Guehi for nothing in 12 months time, particularly with the level of interest in him.

Guehi is said to be keen on the idea of swapping Selhurst Park to Anfield, but is also willing to see out the final year of his contract in south London if the move he desires fails to materialises over the coming weeks, with little prospect of him agreeing to a new deal.

Palace are already in discussions over a deal for Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated defender, Ousmane Diomande, who would, in theory, be Guehi's replacement should he be sold.

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