1 day ago
41
Crystal Palace's manager, Oliver Glasner, has expressed concerns over finding an apt replacement for Marc Guehi amid Liverpool transfer links.
The Reds have already initiated discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the transfer of Guehi, aiming to strengthen Arne Slot's defence before the summer transfer window shuts. Liverpool have two potential paths with Guehi - they could negotiate a deal with their Premier League counterparts and sign him this summer, or they could bide their time until next year when the central defender's contract runs out and he becomes available on a free transfer.
It's understood that Palace's current asking price exceeds what the Reds are prepared to pay, but there are still eight days left in the window to test their determination. Glasner appears to be the main obstacle for Liverpool, as he is reluctant to see his squad size diminish any further.
The rumours of Guehi's move to Anfield come as Palace have just offloaded star forward Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for a hefty $91 million.
Three others have departed as free agents, while the Eagles have only spent a modest $2.7M this summer, bringing in two new faces to bolster Glasner's FA Cup-winning team, who will have to balance Premier League responsibilities with the UEFA Europa Conference League this season.
"I am worried about Crystal Palace if we are losing players and we don't get the right ones in," the manager told BBC Sport ahead of his side's match against Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park.
"It is my duty as manager to tell the owners what we have to do to be competitive and stay on our pathway."
Nevertheless, whilst demonstrating his determination to retain his skipper, Glasner managed to offer a light-hearted solution should he fail to prevent the departure.
He added: "If Marc leaves, I will try my boots because I was a centre-back and this could be a good option."
The 50-year-old enjoyed a 12-year playing career during which he accumulated nearly 600 appearances for Austrian club SV Reid before concluding his time on the pitch with LASK.
Liverpool had previously been cautioned by the Palace manager that any bid to secure Guehi this summer would stretch until the final moments, as he requires the defender's availability for Thursday's Conference League qualifying second leg against Norwegian opponents Fredrikstad.
The Eagles secured a 1-0 first-leg lead at Selhurst Park, with Guehi featuring from the start.
Following that match, Glasner stated: "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."
Throughout this saga, Liverpool have remained content to bide their time and would readily accept securing their target next year if it guarantees acquiring him without a transfer fee.
English (US) ·