Liverpool are interested in signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi but face a race against time to get a deal over the line before the transfer window slams shut
Oliver Glasner remained tight-lipped about the future of Liverpool target Marc Guehi, stating they “will see” what unfolds as rumours continue to mount.
The Reds are keen on the England defender but face a challenge in securing the Palace skipper, who could potentially leave on a free transfer next summer.
Recent reports suggest that the South London club are considering Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji as a potential replacement for Guehi at Selhurst Park. Despite Liverpool winning the race to sign highly-rated Italian defender Giovanni Leoni, the 25 year old is seen as an opportunistic signing, with the Reds having the chance to secure an internationally-capped defender with extensive experience in England’s top division.
Arne Slot’s team are up against the clock to sign Guehi, with the transfer window closing on September 1. Similarly, if Palace were to sell the defender, they would have limited time to find a replacement.
However, reports of contingency plans indicate that there are moving pieces to Liverpool’s potential signing of the defender.
Guehi was named in the starting line-up and captained Palace in their second-leg match against Norwegian side Fredrikstad, as they aimed to maintain their slim one-goal lead from the first leg – which would be enough to secure their place in the UEFA Conference League group stages, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Glasner said: “It’s very important but it wasn’t a birthday wish, I was speaking to Marc every single day it was clear he goes with us to Norway and play this game then let’s see what will come.
“We rely on Marc and count on him, he’s our captain, he will lead the team on the pitch and hopefully getting the win and going into the Group Stage of the Conference League.”
Liverpool have begun the season in unconvincing form, shipping four goals across their opening two fixtures and throwing away two-goal advantages in both of their initial Premier League title defence outings.
Ibrahima Konate is entering the final year of his Anfield contract and his troubled beginning has attracted scrutiny, particularly from ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
The pundit remarked on Monday: “Konate is another one. He has been all over the place. You want your centre back to go with him and win that header.
“He’s going backwards but he should deal with that. He’s up against Dan Burn and Gravenberch goes on the run. I want my centre back to go and win that.
“He was all over the place last week – he was more interested in grabbing his arm. He was really poor in the first half as well. He’s absolutely not at the races.
“I shudder to think where Liverpool would be without Virgil van Dijk, who has been absolutely outstanding in both games.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
#Marc #Guehi #saga #heats #Liverpool #race #clock #Palace #line #replacement
