Liverpool get Marc Guehi transfer boost as private feelings emerge

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is setting his sights on Liverpool as a potential destination if he departs Selhurst Park this summer. The Reds are said to be in ongoing discussions with Palace for the 25-year-old centre-back, who is believed to be eager to make the switch to Anfield.

With less than a year remaining on his contract, Guehi's future at Palace hangs in the balance. However, Palace chairman Steve Parish is adamant about not letting the England international go without a fight.

It's understood that Oliver Glasner's side are holding out for their £45million valuation of Guehi, who put on an impressive display during their goalless draw against Chelsea last Sunday.

Despite Palace's desire to retain Guehi and secure him on a new contract, there's an acknowledgement that they may have to sell him to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Parish has already alerted Palace fans to the possibility of Guehi's departure following their victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield earlier this month.

If Guehi does decide to leave Palace in the coming weeks, it appears that Liverpool is his preferred destination, according to The Athletic. The Reds view Guehi as a valuable addition and are keen to bring him to Merseyside.

The decision now lies with Palace and Guehi.

The Eagles must determine whether to approve his sale this summer or risk losing him as a free agent in less than a year. Meanwhile, Guehi faces the choice of either battling for a starting position at Liverpool or seeing out the season at Selhurst Park.

Liverpool are convinced they already boast four world-class defenders, so aren't anticipated to pursue an alternative should they miss out on Guehi.

Teenage sensation Giovanni Leoni, 18, arrived from Parma in a £26m deal last Friday and is tipped to provide cover for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate alongside Joe Gomez.

Following Palace's stalemate with Chelsea at the weekend, Glasner confessed he had no doubts about fielding Guehi, and Tottenham target Eberechi Eze, despite mounting transfer rumours.

"Ebs and Marc, there has been a lot of noise about these two players in the last week," he said.

"Everyone could see the performances against Liverpool and today, they were 100 per cent aligned with this team and Crystal Palace.

"As long as they are 100 per cent committed, they will play as they are so good.

"I watched them all week in training, I spoke to them almost daily, maybe more than my kids and wife, but it's been worth it to talk to them. They didn't just show they are great footballers, but they are great people, and that's what I expected."

Palace have identified a potential successor should Guehi depart the club, with Rennes prospect Jeremy Jacquet on their summer wishlist, according to The Independent.

The 20 year old represents the newest French prodigy to emerge from Bondy, a Parisian suburb that has also nurtured Kylian Mbappe and countless other professional footballers.