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Liverpool is in danger of losing out on a deal for Marc Guehi, with warnings that failure to secure Champions League soccer could be the team's downfall.
After 11 matches, the Reds find themselves in eighth position in the Premier League, having suffered four defeats in their last five league games. They had agreed terms for Guehi to join Arne Slot's team at Anfield, only for Crystal Palace to scupper the deal at the last minute. The Eagles' star is set to depart Selhurst Park next summer when his contract runs out, and he will be available on a free transfer.
From January, the England international will be allowed to engage in talks with European clubs and sign a pre-agreement as he enters the final six months of his contract.
Powerhouses such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have already been linked with moves to sign the former Chelsea youth player.
This puts Liverpool at a disadvantage, but former Liverpool star Jason McAteer has cautioned the Reds to improve their performance if they want to keep their dreams alive.
"Being a free agent brings everyone into the conversation. It brings Bayern Munich in, it brings Real Madrid, Barcelona and other clubs in as well," McAteer told AceOdds.
"If Liverpool drop off, there is no guarantee that they will qualify for the Champions League and that could be one thing which Guehi wants when moving as a free agent.
"It could also be a change of culture or something else. He might end up at Real Madrid and Guehi is a real talent who would go directly into the first team. It really is a concern that Liverpool missed out on him."
McAteer has proposed that Liverpool could shift its focus to an alternative target should it fail to secure its primary choice.
The former Sunderland midfielder believes Anfield officials should consider looking towards the Stadium of Light.
McAteer has been struck by how Dan Ballard has settled into the Premier League, especially when coming up against the club where he came through the ranks, Arsenal.
Interest in him will soon intensify, the former Republic of Ireland international anticipates.
"Daniel Ballard from Sunderland has had a fantastic start to his Premier League career. His performance against Arsenal was really mature," McAteer said.
"He might be in the conversation, but the longer he plays in the Premier League and the more matches he gets under his belt, he might cost £40-50 million. Just like Huijsen, who went to Real Madrid. A lot of teams will be looking at him."
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