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Liverpool look set to push ahead in their search for a new centre-back after agreeing to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

The Reds have gone early with their business this summer, adding reinforcements at left-back, right-back and in attacking midfield.

However, Quansah’s impending exit means Liverpool need to bolster the middle of their defence as well, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi firmly in their sights.

Guehi is set to be out of contract in a year’s time and reportedly has little intention of signing a new deal.

As a result, the 24-year-old is on the market for the right price this summer.

Reports have suggested that Liverpool would happily wait a year for Guehi as they continue to deal with a similar contractual situation with Ibrahima Konate.

However, the Reds also badly need a centre-back ahead of next season, and they have reportedly now taken a step forward in negotiations over Guehi.

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With Quansah ready to depart after England’s U21 European Championship comes to a close, it had been claimed that things could move quickly with Guehi.

And according to The Mirror, that is exactly what is now happening.

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They report that Liverpool are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Guehi, with the champions said to be firmly in ‘pole position’ to land the England international.

Furthermore, it’s claimed that key talks between ‘all parties’ are set to take place over the next 24 hours.

READ MORE: How Ben Doak feels about leaving Liverpool this summer as Everton step up interest

However, the deal is not done yet.

There are still said to be two main ‘hurdles’ for Liverpool to navigate in order to bring Guehi to Anfield.

The first is the price, with Palace reportedly continuing to value their captain at around £70m.

While it is claimed the south Londoners know suitors are unlikely to reach that fee, they are said to be holding out for at least £40m.

Liverpool will also reportedly have to convince Guehi of the move, with the former Chelsea youngster not keen on playing back-up.

If Guehi were not out of contract in a year’s time, then Liverpool would surely jump at the chance to sign him for £40m.

Gareth Southgate called Guehi ‘exceptional‘ during Euro 2024 last year and he has built on that with another good season for Crystal Palace.

The Eagles turned down an offer of £70m at the end of the January transfer window, and so Liverpool would arguably still be getting themselves a good deal.

Having said that, the Reds will not allow themselves to be held to ransom over a player who can be signed for nothing in 12 months.

Palace may feel otherwise, but Guehi and Liverpool hold the cards here.
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