Liverpool stepping up bid to sign Palace's Guehi

Liverpool are stepping up their attempts to sign Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi.

The Palace captain, 25, has one year left on his contract - but sources have told BBC Sport the Reds have held initial talks with a view to signing him this summer.

Liverpool are also trying to sign Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni.

The 18-year-old Italian is not seen as a potential rival for Guehi but more as one for the future.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said earlier this week the club could sell Guehi this summer to avoid losing him for nothing in 12 months' time.

Last year, the Eagles rejected a bid worth up to £65m from Newcastle for the defender.

Palace are believed to want £40m for him now, but Liverpool want to pay less than that.

The Reds have already spent about £270m this summer, though they have recouped about £170m through player sales.

They have also had a £110m bid for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle, though sources have told BBC Sport the Swede remains determined to move to Anfield.

Signing Guehi and Isak would take Liverpool's summer spending above £400m.