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Liverpool has been urged to "go all out" in its pursuit of Marc Guehi in January to alleviate the burden on Virgil van Dijk's fitness. The Reds had previously agreed a $47 million (£35M) deal for Guehi on transfer deadline day last month, only for Crystal Palace to withdraw at the last minute due to their inability to secure a suitable replacement.
Guehi has since demonstrated his worth with a string of commendable performances for Palace, including during their 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Selhurst Park two weeks ago.
Currently, Liverpool only has three senior centre-backs at its disposal, with summer recruit Giovanni Leoni sidelined for the season following surgery on an ACL tear.
The initial plan was to wait for Guehi until the end of the season when his contract with Palace expires, making him a free agent.
However, Real Madrid, among other top European clubs, is now keeping a close eye on Guehi. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy is adamant that his old club must act swiftly when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.
"We've got 11 weeks or so until the window opens," said Murphy. "Do they make a move in January and find a short-term fix or just pay what they need to pay for Guehi?
"I would get Guehi in January. Maybe Palace won't let it happen but he's perfect in so many ways.
"He knows the league, won't need time to settle. He's calm, he's quick and he's a good footballer. He's everything you want in a centre-back. Liverpool will need to do something."
Murphy continued: "I would go all out on Guehi. They've got a relationship with Guehi and his camp.
"Liverpool came in for him in the same way they tried to get Van Dijk when Southampton asked for more money at the last minute and the deal fell through, so Liverpool waited and got him in the next window. For such an important position you need the best or the one you want."
Ibrahima Konate has been given early release from the France squad as he works to overcome a thigh problem that forced him off during last weekend's Premier League loss at Chelsea, with his withdrawal providing another concern for Arne Slot ahead of the Reds' return to action against Manchester United on October 19.
With Joe Gomez having played merely 29 minutes in the top flight this campaign, Murphy acknowledges the pressure on Van Dijk to stay available.
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"From a short-term perspective, I think if Virgil were to get an injury that's a huge problem for Liverpool," Murphy told Aceodds.com.
"Konate has shown he's capable of overcoming bad spells. His consistency last season means it was his best season. We know he's capable. Gomez is also fit and capable.
"Before the window had shut I thought Guehi was more important than (Alexander) Isak. The only reason that might not matter is if Virgil stays fit and he's got a great habit of staying fit for large parts of the season.
"He's in great physical condition and centre-back is probably the best position when it comes to running and doing less miles."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
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