Liverpool told they ‘need Marc Guehi’ as Newcastle ready new transfer
Liverpool could pull off a late swoop for Marc Guehi as the transfer window progresses.
All the focus on Merseyside has been on Alexander Isak in recent weeks after Liverpool had a £110million bid rejected.
However, centre-back is another area where they are short, and the Premier League champions have been linked with Giovanni Leoni.
Guehi remains an option, and there may be a route to a deal, after an admission from Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish after the Community Shield win over Liverpool.
This article contains the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
Liverpool urged to sign Guehi imminently
Liverpool need depth at centre-back with just Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as their senior options in the position right now.
The Anfield outfit let Jarell Quansah leave for Bayer Leverkusen in a decision that now looks ridiculous, given that they have no fit cover outside of Joe Gomez.
Darke believes that Arne Slot will not be worried about the fact that the Reds lost the Community Shield, but he will want a new signing in defence.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, he said: “Not overly concerned [about losing the Community Shield].
“The real thing starts next week, but do they need to buy an extra central defender? Yes, because there isn’t enough cover.
“Absolutely [they should move for Guehi], but if other clubs bid, the price goes up. He is worth less than if he had three years left on his Palace deal.
“Newcastle and Chelsea are also sniffing.”
Liverpool should wrap up Guehi deal before rivals surface
The Merseysiders need a centre-back, perhaps, even more than they need the prolific Isak to be leading the line.
Palace captain Guehi would be the preferred candidate over Leoni, as he has significantly more experience, especially in the top-flight, but a deal may prove difficult if Palace dig in.
- Leoni has just 17 appearances in Serie A
- Guehi has 132 appearances in the Premier League
Surely their negotiating position is not as strong as it once was after Parish’s admission, though, if they are desperate not to lose him on a free, the L4 side could take advantage and get the price down.
Fenway Sports Group have backed Slot brilliantly so far, with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez coming through the door at Anfield.
However, if they fail to secure the right option at centre-back or do not sign one, their title defence could fall apart.
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