Newcastle want £80m star but he's chasing a LIVERPOOL transfer

The potential of Virgil van Dijk leaving Liverpool at the end of this season presents an alarming butterfly effect scenario for Liverpool.

Whilst he remains one of the best centre-backs in the entire world, at 33 years old his long-term value isn’t high. As a result, finding a replacement sooner rather than later would be a wise strategy for Liverpool.

Rumours of Van Dijk replacements have been few and far between this season, particularly in comparison to the rumours for fellow contract-expirees Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

One of the most high-profile, however, is Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi.

Liverpool have been interested in Guehi over the past few transfer windows now, but have faced stiff competition for the talented defender - least of all from Newcastle United.

And after having a reported £65m for Guehi rejected in the previous transfer window, TEAMtalk are reporting that Newcastle will be going back in for Guehi in January - despite the centre-back’s preference being to join Liverpool.

Crystal Palace’s current valuation for Guehi sits at a reported minimum £80m. The report indicates that Newcastle are ready to test the waters again, but Liverpool will also be monitoring the situation.

However, Liverpool are reportedly not willing to raise fees around Palace’s asking price in January, preferring such large figures for summer windows.

Could Marc Guehi replace Van Dijk?

Additionally, the report suggests that Liverpool are scouting cheaper options from around Europe alongside Guehi. This joins earlier reports of the Reds’ interest in Sevilla’s Loic Badé and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Jurgen Klopp was believed to be a huge draw to the club for Guehi, but new head coach Arne Slot’s fantastic start to the season has done nothing to damage this reputation.

Guehi would be a fascinating signing for the Reds. He largely plays as the middle centre-back in Palace’s current back three system, but has been deployed as a left centre-back on occasion and holds that role for England.

He was pivotal in the position during England’s recent run to the final of Euro 2024. Replacing Van Dijk would do nothing to harm his long-term development - if anything, it would be preferable.

Newcastle will be tough customers to out-spend, however, with the Saudi-owned team having no lack of pocket depth. If Guehi were to head to Tyneside, Liverpool will feel comfortable with their other options.