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The alleged spat between Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and Liverpool transfer target Marc Guehi after the draw with Chelsea has been played down. The Reds are still in discussions with their Premier League counterparts about a potential move for the 25 year old center-back.
The FA Cup champions may be compelled to offload their skipper this summer as he enters the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park. However, speculation about a possible disagreement between the manager and the captain arose after the 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Sunday.
Following the match at Stamford Bridge, Glasner seemed to call Guehi over for a chat after acknowledging the fans.
Yet, Sky Sports footage showed the England international glancing at his manager before lowering his head and heading towards the tunnel.
Glasner appeared visibly puzzled by the exchange and sought insight from Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was equally baffled about any potential upset from his teammate.
However, journalist Bobby Manzi has since disclosed that Guehi was chosen for a routine drug test and was eager to get it done. He dismissed rumours of a standoff with his manager as a misunderstanding.
This comes just weeks before the transfer window closes, with Liverpool keen to bolster its defence further. The $35 million (£26 million) deal for Giovanni Leoni will not affect their pursuit of Guehi.
It has been reported that there is a $14 million (£10 million) discrepancy between the two clubs' valuation of the former Chelsea academy player.
Liverpool is reportedly adamant about not exceeding $47M (£35m) for a player who could be signed on a free transfer next summer, while Palace are believed to be holding out for around $61M (£45m).
Chairman Steve Parish acknowledged that they might have to let Guehi go this summer to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of the season.
"We'd have to do that, of course," he admitted. "For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it's a problem for us unfortunately.
"Joachim [Andersen] went [to Fulham last summer] and we couldn't afford to lose both. We then had another bid [for Guehi] in January but that was a different situation.
"We'll just have to see what happens. But, you know, it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind."
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