Liverpool transfer news amid $76M Real Madrid battle as Marc Guehi alternative emerges

Liverpool transfer news as Arne Slot could battle Real Madrid for a $76 million midfielder and the Reds could move for an alternative center-back option to Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton.(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

Liverpool looks in a decent enough position in the Premier League standings to be able to qualify for the Champions League next season, but that will be the limit of the Reds' ambitions.

At the start of the season, Liverpool would have expected to be in the conversation for the title, having won it with ease last time around. But things have unraveled since; it simply hasn't ever looked likely.

January additions may not be necessary to elevate the Reds into the top four spots, but looking ahead to the summer, more changes will be required. Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

According to the Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool could face a transfer battle with as many as four other clubs for the Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in the summer.

In addition to the Reds, it says Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid are all in for the England ace, who is having another impressive season.

The report states that any potential suitor would have to pay in excess of $76 million (£56 million) for Wharton. That is supposedly how much Crystal Palace received for Eberechi Eze when he moved to Arsenal.

(Image: Getty Images)

Real Madrid is claimed to be interested in Wharton as it is seeking a player with Aurelien Tchouameni's characteristics. The Frenchman has never been a nailed-on starter since his move from AS Monaco.

Wharton, 21, is a product of Blackburn Rovers' youth academy. He could be set to battle with Elliot Anderson for a place alongside Declan Rice in Thomas Tuchel's England starting XI at the World Cup.

Liverpool.com says: Wharton is a really classy operator and Arne Slot could do with someone like that to rotate with Ryan Gravenberch. Wataru Endo is the only other proper number six option, and he is nowhere near good enough on the ball.

Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse)

England U21 international Charlie Cresswell is the latest center-back to be linked with Liverpool, alongside Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace captain, who will be available as a free agent.

The French outlet Sport reports that Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United are all keen to bring Cresswell back to his homeland after he left Leeds to move to Ligue 1 in the summer of 2024.

West Ham United and Sunderland were among the clubs to take a look at Cresswell in the previous transfer window, but he opted against a move to the Premier League then in hope of holding out for something better.

The 23-year-old would supposedly be available for a fee of more than $29 million (£22 million). For Premier League teams, he would come with the added plus of being homegrown.

Liverpool.com says: Cresswell is clearly a good defender but there is a question mark over whether he is the right addition for the Reds. Slot's side will perhaps only need to sign Guehi this year, as long as Ibrahima Konate pens a new deal.