Liverpool transfer news as midfielder move agreed and Marc Guehi decision made

Alexander Isak is the name on the lips of most people when it comes to Liverpool right now. But as news is awaited on what comes next for the Swede, other things are happening.

Liverpool has a few players who could head out on loan before the end of the window, with decisions to be made on several young talents. And incomings might not just be focused on Isak, with Marc Guehi still an option as well.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. For once, we don't begin with the latest on Isak, with a couple of other stories taking the limelight instead.

James McConnell (Ajax, on loan)

Liverpool midfielder James McConnell has agreed a new five-year contract at Anfield. He will soon head out on loan to the Dutch giant Ajax, with an agreement in place for a season-long loan.

It is understood that several clubs in the Championship, including West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town and Hull City, were also interested in the 20-year-old. The Austrian outfit Sturm Graz was also very keen.

However, the player was attracted to the appeal of playing for a club of Ajax's size and stature. Playing in the Champions League was also a big appeal, and is a good stage for McConnell to show what he can do.

Ajax finished second in the Eredivisie last season, with Arne Slot's former assistant coach John Heitinga at the helm. He and McConnell worked together on Merseyside and will link up again.

McConnell's medical will take place later this week ahead of the switch being confirmed. He was involved at senior level for Liverpool four times last season but his opportunies would have been limited again if he stayed.

Liverpool.com says: McConnell is a really good passer of the ball. Like Tyler Morton, he just needs the right stage to perform on. Competing for minutes with Ryan Gravenberch and co is a stretch too far right now.

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

With Ibrahima Konate having struggled at times at St James' Park earlier this week, links with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi haven't gone anywhere. He is out of contract in 2026.

Liverpool.com reported earlier that Crystal Palace is interested in the Manchester City center-back Manuel Akanji, though it remains to be seen how keen the player would be on moving to Selhurst Park.

Bayer Leverkusen and Galatasaray are also thought to be considering Akanji. If he does go to Crystal Palace, that could free Guehi up to leave South London.

Crystal Palace CEO Steve Parish has already made clear that he doesn't want to lose Guehi for nothing next summer. Having given away his bargaining position, though, Liverpool will not be paying over the odds.

Manchester City has been linked with Guehi in the last couple of days, but it is understood that he only wants to join Liverpool. The player might have to wait another year before making the switch, but has his heart set on a move to Anfield.

Liverpool.com says: Guehi would be a good option for Liverpool, but the Reds can afford to wait, having signed Giovanni Leoni. A game of brinkmanship is about to begin.

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