Liverpool transfer news: Reds tipped to battle Man Utd for Marc Guehi

Liverpool could face off against Manchester United in the chase for Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi this summer, according to a report.

The Reds will be in the market for at least one new defender with additions on the agenda even before Joel Matip's long-term injury.

Matip's future is yet to be resolved with the 32-year-old out of contract this summer. Ibrahima Konate, meanwhile, has had his own injury issues, while Joe Gomez has been needed to cover multiple positions. 

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Furthermore, the long-term future of Virgil van Dijk also has question marks, with the club captain now 32 and out of contract in 2025. 

According to the Daily Telegraph, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in 23-year-old Guehi, with Palace facing a battle to keep their best players this summer.

Liverpool do not currently have a sporting director in place owing to the departure of Jorg Schmadtke but plans are going on behind the scenes to lay the groundwork for Klopp’s Anfield successor. 

Guehi moved to Palace from Chelsea in 2021 for an £18m fee and went to captain the side on occasion under previous managerial incumbent Roy Hodgson. 

The 76-year-old stood down from his position as Palace boss this week with Austrian Oliver Glasner taking over and he has a job on his hands in keeping hold of Palace’s top stars beyond the end of the season, Guehi included. 

Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise are destined to attract bids while Guehi could be at the centre of a tug of war between Liverpool and old rivals Man Utd. 

Ashworth wants Guehi at Old Trafford

Incoming United sporting director Dan Ashworth is thought to have tried to sign Guehi during his Newcastle days, according to the report, and is sure to be back for his previous target if his signing is finalised soon. 

Guehi is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2026 but Palace have little chance of enticing him into a new deal, meaning a sale could well be on the cards with his value high. 

Chelsea could enter the fray as they have a sell-on clause as well as a matching clause included in the deal they negotiated with Palace in 2021. 

Liverpool, however, would be able to offer Champions League football, something which United and the Blues are uncertain to achieve. 

No price tag is mentioned for Guehi. However, previous reports have speculated that the defender could be sold for £60m.

Liverpool have also been linked with Goncalo Inacio, Ousmane Diomande (both Sporting CP), Piero Hincapie (Leverkusen) and Ko Itakura (Borussia Monchengladbach) among others in their search for defensive reinforcement.