Liverpool's instant response to Crystal Palace statement on Marc Guehi transfer

Liverpool are still pushing to sign Marc Guehi amid a £70m transfer tug-of-war at Crystal Palace. Palace chairman Steve Parish has hinted they are ready to sell despite already losing Eberechi Eze who is set to join Arsenal in a £67.5m deal.

But Palace boss Oliver Glasner has insisted they cannot afford to allow Guehi leave Selhurst Park at such a late stage in the window when it would be difficult to replace him.

And at the heart of the dilemma is Palace’s fear that they could lose Guehi for FREE next summer having turned down bids of £70m for the England defender last summer.

That decision could come back to haunt them because Newcastle were ready to break the bank to sign Guehi who now only has one year left on his contract.

Despite the uncertainty, Liverpool remain keen on Guehi and are ready to do a deal before the end of this window but will not pay over the odds because they know he will be a free agent next summer.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Izak's Newcastle saga "coming to an end", Arsenal close on Eze, Man Utd push for sale

READ MORE: Liverpool issued Marc Guehi transfer statement as Crystal Palace make feelings clear

It would be hard to see Liverpool paying over £30m this summer while Palace still value him at closer to £45m with his contract running down. Parish warned: “It's a difficult situation, everyone has to sell players to comply with the rules.”

Glasner rates Guehi highly both as a player and his captain and leader which is even more important now that Eze has gone.

Glasner, talking after Palace’s Europa Conference League win over Fredikstad on Thursday night, said: “'If Marc leaves maybe I will try my boots because I was a centre back. We have to act. It's Crystal Palace's future and we need to add numbers.”

Liverpool are still in contact over Guehi who they regard as a strong, accomplished and composed defender who has a big future at Anfield.

Despite spending big this summer, they have also sold players and still have scope to sign Guehi and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak before the window shuts.

But equally, they will not be held to ransom because they know they can move in next year and get him for free, although there are likely to be other clubs interested in a star England defender available on a free transfer.

Palace’s concerns over Guehi have only been heightened by Eze’s impending departure as the England star is set to sign for Arsenal this weekend as he prepares to undergo a medical and complete his move.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.