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Marc Guehi has been named in Crystal Palace's starting XI as the Eagles take on Aston Villa.
Liverpool have monitored Guehi all summer but only firmed up their interest this past weekend. Their opening bid of $47 million was rejected on Saturday, with Crystal Palace demanding the same amount upfront plus a further $7 million in performance-related add-ons. With Guehi entering the final year of his contract, Palace now face the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Whether Liverpool choose to meet Palace’s demands before the deadline remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace has been exploring reinforcements in the transfer market and this week made contact with Manchester City over a potential move for Manuel Akanji.
It had been questioned whether or not Guehi would be included in the squad due to Liverpool's interest but Oliver Glasner is determined to give nothing away and continues to play Guehi in what could be his last appearance for Palace.
On the other side, Villa manager Unai Emery hasn't named Emi Martinez in his matchday squad. The goalkeeper is reportedly closing in on a move to Manchester United.
The news of Guehi starting could be a potential blow for the Reds plans with just over 24 hours left off the summer transfer window.
However former Reds player turned Liverpool recruiter Stewart Downing believes Guehi will be a Liverpool player come 7pm on Monday.
“It seems like Liverpool have been chasing Guehi for quite a while," Downing told Flashscore who offer the latest sports betting apps. "The little clip in the tunnel during the Community Shield was interesting with the little handshake and the wink, maybe a conversation has gone on somewhere along the line.
"I think he's a quality player and being left-sided would help because Van Dijk, I know everyone thinks he can play up to 45 [years old] but he can't and there's a lot of games to play. Could they rest him too in the Carabao Cup and other games that are less important to keep Van Dijk fresh for the big games? I think he'd be an unbelievable signing for that alone.
“I thought they were going to get him last summer actually when they were linked with him quite a bit. Konate’s situation is going to be difficult because if he keeps turning down contracts, Liverpool are going to have to get to a point where they're selling him.
"Like Trent, once he's got a year left, he's going to have to go now or in January. We could see a surprise departure this summer for him, you never know."
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