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Marc Guehi has endeavoured to shut out mounting speculation regarding a potential switch to Liverpool following what could prove to be a memorable final outing for Crystal Palace.
The centre-back has been persistently linked with a transfer to Anfield. The Reds might launch a last-ditch attempt to secure his signature during the closing hours of the transfer window.
Palace would apparently be willing to part with the defender, given Guehi has merely 12 months left on his Selhurst Park deal - though they are reportedly demanding $54 million.
Despite the summer transfer talk, he nevertheless featured from the start and wore the captain's armband during Crystal Palace's commanding 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa on Sunday. He also netted a spectacular strike to help clinch victory for Oliver Glasner's outfit.
His actions at fulltime caught the eye, as he appeared to be pushed by goalkeeper Dean Henderson to take a standing ovation from the Palace away fans, only to turn down the chance to say what could have been interpreted as a goodbye just before deadline day.
When questioned about his mindset amidst the transfer chaos, the England international responded: "I'm okay. I guess so. I don't like the limelight. I'm glad I have a good club and good teammates around me. When you focus on what is important, the football, it makes it a bit easier."
Guehi celebrated enthusiastically after hitting the back of the net for Palace. Discussing his goal and the subsequent celebrations, he remarked: "It's a blur! I can't remember much. When you score goals like that, it's down the team performance. The credit should go to the team."
Guehi continued: "I was tired! So much running. It's important we stay humble, we'll see what the future holds."
The defender expressed his deep affection for the club, stating: "[The club means] a lot. I'm a south London boy, grew up in south London and captained the club from a young age. They have been fantastic to me and my family. A pleasure to play for this club."
Despite his standout performance in the Midlands, Guehi seemed reluctant to take centre stage at the final whistle. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson attempted to push him to the front of the celebrating players.
However, Guehi chose to hang back, preferring to share the applause with his teammates. In other news, manager Oliver Glasner provided an update on Guehi's future ahead of the Villa match.
In his pre-match press conference, Glasner said: "Everybody can see how important Marc is, so honestly, I don't know, but I really deeply hope that Marc will play for us at Villa Park. I deeply hope that Marc will play until the end of the season for us."
Just before kick-off at Villa Park, the Palace boss added: "Of course he has a contract here at Crystal Palace. He plays well, he trains here. And it's clear that he plays. The situation is clear. Everybody knows about it. Marc is a great guy and that's why he plays."
Guehi's Crystal Palace teammate, Jean-Philippe Mateta, didn't hold back in expressing his admiration for Guehi. He stated: "Every game he brings something new. He is a fantastic player. I hope he stays with us."
Despite Palace's desire to retain Guehi, Liverpool's need for him may have increased following recent events. Defender Ibrahima Konate was forced to leave the pitch during Sunday's victory over title contenders Arsenal.
When questioned if this could prompt Liverpool to seek a new defender, Slot responded: "It's not a way of asking it. I could only not take one player into the game so I had to leave one out and that was a centre back.
"I think we were quite well in terms of centre backs. I think it was only cramp so I don't think it was an injury. We have to find out in the upcoming games."
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