Liverpool in talks for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi

Liverpool have made contact with Crystal Palace for the transfer of English defender Marc Guehi, according to the Athletic.

The 24-year-old is seeking assurances over playing time as the FIFA World Cup draws close, with personal terms understood to have been agreed.

With a year left on his contract, the England international is expected to leave Selhurst Park this summer or the next as a free agent, after he refused to sign a contract extension for the Eagles.

Guehi has attracted many suitors over time, with Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool all keen to secure his signature.

The Magpies saw four offers rejected by the Eagles, with the last bid being worth up to £65 million in the summer of 2024.

The Blues have had genuine interest in Guehi but have been monitoring his situation closely; with Levi Colwill’s injury, Maresca has confirmed replacing him is a “priority”.

Liverpool are yet to fill up the available slot left open after academy graduate Jarell Quansah departed to Bayer 04 Leverkusen for £35m last month.

The Palace defender has been instrumental under Oliver Glasner, and he captained the Eagles to their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley in May.

He soon recreated that success after he led Palace to their second major trophy [Community Shield] in 3 months after defeating Premier League champions Liverpool on penalties.

Guehi played 44 matches across all competitions for Oliver Glasner’s team last season, and he contributed three goals and two assists for the Eagles.

Liverpool are interested in signing Parma’s highly rated centre-back, Giovanni Leoni.

The 18-year-old played 17 games for the Crusaders and has been capped seven times at the Under-19 level by Italy.

The Reds are focused on making both signings, with Joe Gomez currently sidelined and Ibrahima Konate’s future remaining uncertain, leaving only club captain Virgil van Dijk as the only fit central defender.