Liverpool transfer news as Marc Guehi race takes twist and Chelsea clears path

Liverpool transfer news as the race for Marc Guehi has reportedly taken a new twist, while Chelsea is said to have cleared the path for the Reds to sign a new defender

Marc Guehi continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

The January transfer window is now less than 24 hours away from opening, and Liverpool may well have its eye on doing some business in the New Year.

It already looks like one big deal is in the works in the Premier League, with Antoine Semenyo looking like he’ll be heading to Manchester City. That may come as a blow to the Reds, given they had also been linked with the Bournemouth winger.

Arne Slot though may have his sights set on another area of his squad, with the latest rumors linking Liverpool with new defenders, including an update on the race for Marc Guehi.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the latest transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds.

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

Chelsea is ready to blow its rivals out of the water in order to sign Marc Guehi in the summer, according to Football Insider.

The Blues are said to be keen to recruit an “A-list center-back who can slot straight into their starting XI” and have turned their attentions to Guehi, who started his professional career back at Stamford Bridge.

If there is truth in that report, that could come as a blow to Liverpool, with the Reds still keen on signing the Crystal Palace star after seeing a deal collapse on deadline day during the summer.

Liverpool.com says: You can pretty much guarantee that Guehi will attract more than just Liverpool in the summer. There can't be many teams that would gladly pass up the opportunity to sign a player like that for free.

If Chelsea is going to be in the race for his signature, then it becomes even more important that the Reds qualify for the Champions League next season, and potentially prevent the Blues from doing the same in the process.

Joel Ordonez (Club Brugge)

Liverpool is the frontrunner to sign Ecuador international Joel Ordonez, according to Bola VIP, although the Reds could face competition from Inter Milan.

The Italian side is said to be closely monitoring the Club Brugge defender with a view to bolstering their defense. Liverpool though is still said to be leading the way.

What's more, the Reds have reportedly had their task made easier by Chelsea withdrawing from negotiations for Ordonez, despite the 21-year-old being keen to join the Blues.

Liverpool.com says: Regardless of whether Liverpool lands Guehi or not in the summer, the club needs to be looking at other defenders, and ideally signing one in January.

If it feels that Ordonez can make the step up to the Premier League, and the opportunity is there next month, then it should be eyeing up a deal for him. It does feel like the sort of move that the Reds would prefer to leave until he's proven at a higher level though.