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Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi only had eyes for Arne Slot's Liverpool during the summer transfer window.
This suggests that he may still be eyeing a move to Merseyside next summer, despite the collapse of a deadline day switch and interest from other clubs. Guehi, an England international, will be free to leave Palace when his contract expires next summer. He can sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from 1 January, although Liverpool might make a winter bid to ensure Palace receives some compensation for its captain.
However, Spanish teams Barcelona and Real Madrid have also shown interest in Guehi.
According to BBC Sport, Guehi was only willing to leave Selhurst Park during the summer window if it meant a move to Anfield.
Had Guehi been sold on deadline day, Palace would have received around $47 million. The absence of a fee could allow the center-back to negotiate a better salary next summer.
Palace seemed open to selling Guehi, who had already filmed a farewell video. However, his move will have to wait, as manager Oliver Glasner threatened to resign if Ebere Eze's sale to Arsenal was followed by another high-profile departure.
"I told this to [the] chairman we have to keep Marc if we want to play a successful season," Glasner told Match of the Day after Guehi scored in a 3-0 win away to Aston Villa on Sunday. "We have no chance to find the right replacement in one day.
"We all agreed that we just sell Marc if we have the right replacement in the building. We wanted a replacement by the 1st July. We have this agreement so it is clear from me.
"He is such a crucial player. He is one of our key players - he is our captain. Again, if we want to play a successful season we have to keep him."
Guehi, who claimed U17 World Cup glory with England in 2017, arrived at Selhurst Park from Chelsea during the summer of 2021 following a standout loan stint with Swansea.
The defender has racked up over 150 outings for Palace across all competitions and led the side to FA Cup triumph last term, securing European football in the process. He then captained Palace to victory against Liverpool in the Community Shield.
"I'm a south London boy; grew up in south London; captained the club from a young age," he said in the leaked farewell video. "They've been fantastic for me and my family. Definitely a pleasure to play for this football club."
While Madrid may be interested in the England international, the Spanish team could be forced to explore alternative options.
One potential target for them is Ibrahima Konate, who finds himself entering the final 12 months of his current deal at Anfield.
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