Liverpool transfer news: Reds on verge of securing deal for £40m defender?

Liverpool are reportedly keen to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, and they are increasingly 'likely' to lure him away from Selhurst Park in the summer transfer window. 

The Reds have been very active in the transfer market, having signed Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Florian Wirtz. They have now turned their attention towards signing a top centre-back after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. 

Guehi has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at Palace, and there has been no indication that he will sign a new deal with the club. 

Liverpool are reportedly ready to test Palace's resolve with a tempting offer, and they are aware that the 25-year-old defender prefers a move to Anfield. 

According to a report from Football Insider, Palace want to sign Ousmane Diomande, and as soon as they reach a £45m agreement for the Sporting Lisbon defender, they will look to offload their skipper. 

Palace are in advanced negotiations with Sporting over the signing of Diomande, but his asking price could be holding up talks. 

Guehi would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool 

The England defender joined the Eagles from Chelsea in the summer of 2021, and he has quickly become a major player for them. 

Guehi has made 155 appearances for Palace, scoring eight goals in all competitions, and his progress in recent years has been remarkable. 

Palace are reportedly demanding a fee of around £40m for the former Chelsea centre-back, but Liverpool are highly unlikely to pay over the top for someone who will become a free agent next summer.

It will be a financial disaster to lose a player of his calibre for free, and therefore, the Eagles may have to lower their asking price which should work in Liverpool's favour.

Why Liverpool must do everything to sign Guehi 

The Premier League champions could lose more players at the back after selling Quansah. 

Joe Gomez has struggled with fitness in recent years, and his future at Anfield looks uncertain. Ibrahima Konate, who was outstanding last season under Arne Slot, is reportedly being targeted by Real Madrid, and Liverpool could reportedly use the Frenchman as part of a sensational swap deal that would see Rodrygo moving in the opposite direction. 

Guehi has loads of Premier League experience, and he would be more than capable of going straight into the Reds' starting XI. 

Like Konate, he is good at making tackles (1.8 per game) and clearances (4.6 per game), and would be an ideal replacement for the Frenchman, should he leave the club.