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Marc Guehi has informed his representatives that he is keen on a move to Real Madrid, following the collapse of an agreement to join Liverpool at the last minute.
This could potentially be a double setback for Arne Slot's Premier League team, as Ibrahima Konate is also winding down his contract in preparation to depart on a free transfer next summer, with Real Madrid being one of several clubs showing interest.
Crystal Palace put a stop to England defender Guehi's transfer to Anfield on the final day of the summer transfer window after failing to secure a replacement. However, any hopes of reviving the deal either in January or next summer when Guehi's own contract expires are set to be dashed.
Guehi has been informed that Real Madrid is now ready to commence negotiations for the 25-year-old, who has been commended for his handling of the recent transfer speculation.
This puts the ball firmly in Guehi's court, with no transfer fee required next summer and foreign clubs able to sign a pre-contract agreement over the player in January.
Mirror Football has been informed that Guehi's top choice is to make the move to the Bernabeu and reject Liverpool, despite being tantalizingly close to joining them on September 1.
He is thrilled by the prospect of playing overseas for the Spanish team, one that has also shown an interest in Konate, who has declined Liverpool's offer of a new contract.
This could mean that both players might end up teaming up in La Liga, leaving Liverpool out in the cold.
Earlier this week, Liverpool's manager Slot expressed personal sympathy for Guehi, who is set to play for Palace against Liverpool next weekend.
"For us it was of course a disappointment, for the player I assume, as well, because he was expecting to come to us," he shared with Sky Sports.
"I try to put myself in the player's shoes, but that can happen with a player from us as well; maybe a player wanted to leave, but in the end couldn't because we couldn't get a player we wanted.
"That happens in football many times, and the good thing in football is, especially after the international break, everybody comes back, accepts the situation, and knows he has to perform well.
"But if a player wants a transfer that he doesn't get, then you always feel for him.
"If it's a player of my team, you talk to him, make sure he gets his energy back and keeps going again, and that is probably what has happened at Palace with Marc Guehi."
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