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Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

Guehi has remained the Premier League champions’ top defensive target this summer despite Oliver Glasner’s side attempting to hold firm on his valuation.

Despite being out of contract at the end of the forthcoming campaign, the Eagles remained steadfast in their refusal to part for less than £50 million.

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However Palace chairman Steve Parish’s comments after their Community Shield victory over the Reds last weekend have seen talks recommence.

Parish admitted that he would reluctantly sanction Guehi’s sale this summer as losing the player as a free agent in 12 months’ time would be ‘a problem’.

Arne Slot’s side are hoping to pick up the 25-year-old for a deal in the region of £35M if negotiations continue to progress smoothly with the Londoners.

A move for Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni is also on the Anfield club’s wish list as they aim to strengthen amid a dearth of options in their backline.

Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez’s latest injury means Liverpool only have two established central defenders available.

Leoni is seen as bolstering those options although Liverpool face stern competition from Inter Milan, who newly appointed his ex-boss Cristian Chivu.

Efforts to land the towering 18-year-old are yet to be formalised but Slot’s side are ready to swoop if he hinted at exploring a move outside of Serie A.