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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has insisted Liverpool target Marc Guehi "has to stay" amid ongoing transfer talk.
With just over a week left before the transfer window closes, Palace chairman Steve Parish has conceded that they face a tough situation if Guehi doesn't sign a new contract. Palace has demanded $60 million for Guehi, but Liverpool values the player closer to $47 million as he's entered the final 12 months of his contract.
Despite the speculation, Guehi was in action as Palace began their European journey with a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad in the Europa Conference League, following their opening-weekend draw at Chelsea.
The south London club already looks set to lose Eberechi Eze, who is close to joining Arsenal. Palace is under pressure to strengthen its squad as the Eagles look to build on winning the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Following the win over Fredrikstad, Glasner reiterated his stance that his skipper must remain with the team for the second leg against the Norwegian side next Thursday. He said: "We are very, very late. It's 10 days to go [until the transfer window closes] to find the right replacements. I think we could have done much better than we did. It's no criticism, it's just telling facts.
"Today, we had 17 on-field players available. One from the academy, two players we already told that they should leave the club. So that means we're with 14 [players] and having six games from the 10th of August until the 31st.
"This group, I know we can rely on them. I trust them completely. But it's really not the best way you should start into the season. With the results, third game, no defeat, that's all good. But I think we are below the edge.
"I just know if Marc leaves and is not available for Frederikstad, we will have big troubles. That's pretty clear. We can't register anyone. So from my side, he has to stay.
"We played with Jeff Lerma in the back today. He's a midfield player. We have no centre-back available at the moment. If Marc leaves, I will try my boots because I was a centre-back, and this could be a good option. I will think about it."
Parish has previously acknowledged Palace face a significant decision regarding the 25-year-old and potentially missing out on a substantial financial gain from his departure.
Following the Community Shield triumph over Liverpool, Parish suggested they might be forced to sell Guehi. He reiterated that they find themselves in a difficult position after the Fredrikstad game.
"If Marc wants to sign a contract, he can stay," said Parish. "If he doesn't, then we have to look at it. It's a difficult situation.
"If you are in Europe, the financial rules are a lot tighter than the Premier League. Everybody has to sell players to comply. Players leaving on a free is not ideal, I'm not going to pretend it is. That's a situation we have to look at in the next eleven days."
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