1 week ago
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Liverpool's chances of securing Marc Guehi this summer have been given a lift as rivals Newcastle shift their focus elsewhere. However, landing the England star would necessitate a change in strategy from the Reds.
Arne Slot's team have already had two offers for Guehi rejected by Crystal Palace. They currently have no intentions of making a third, higher bid, and Palace seem unwilling to compromise on their valuation.
Liverpool's decision to hold back may have paved the way for Newcastle, who have also previously failed to secure Guehi. Now, it seems Malick Thiaw has become the priority for Eddie Howe's team.
Sky Sport in Germany reports that Newcastle have submitted a formal offer for Milan defender Thiaw. If accepted, the Premier League club would shell out approximately £26million for the German international.
Palace are asking for considerably more for Guehi, despite their captain only having a year remaining on his contract. Unless Liverpool reignite their interest and are willing to part with nearly £50m, the Eagles' skipper might well remain at Selhurst Park for the forthcoming season, reports the Mirror.
Liverpool's options at centre-back are limited after offloading Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. The strain might be somewhat alleviated if Ibrahima Konate extends his contract - set to expire in 2026 - but the Reds are still looking thin on the ground.
Captain Virgil van Dijk celebrated his 34th birthday in July, while Joe Gomez has only managed to play 30 league games in a single season once in the past five years. Wataru Endo has been given a run-out at centre-back during pre-season, and there's also the possibility of shifting Andy Robertson into the middle following Milos Kerkez's arrival.
However, a new senior centre-back could still be on the cards for Anfield.
Ecuadorian international Joel Ordonez is rumoured to be on Liverpool's radar after his standout performances for Club Brugge. Konstantinos Koulierakis and Giovanni Leoni have also been floated as potential recruits.
At 21, Wolfsburg and Greece star Koulierakis is the eldest of the trio, sparking speculation about whether an older player might be required.
Liverpool have already splashed out over £200m in other areas, including the signings of Kerkez and fellow full-back Jeremie Frimpong. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have been brought in to beef up Slot's attacking options, especially with Mohamed Salah expected to be absent during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among those who have departed.
Slot's squad will face off against FA Cup champions Crystal Palace in the Community Shield this Sunday. Their league campaign kicks off just five days later, with Bournemouth set to visit Anfield for the opening match.
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