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View image in fullscreenTransfer latest: Liverpool open Guéhi talks as Manchester United eye Baleba

Liverpool also interested in Parma defender Leoni

United may have to pay Brighton more than £72m

Liverpool have opened talks with Crystal Palace over Marc Guéhi and are considering a move for Parma centre-half Giovanni Leoni as they attempt to increase Arne Slot’s defensive options.

The 18-year-old Leoni impressed in the second half of last season for Parma, making 17 appearances, and has attracted interest from several Serie A clubs this summer, including Inter.

new coach, Cristian Chivu, was in charge at Parma last season.

Spurs open Eze talks as they try to beat Arsenal to Palace attackerRead more

Liverpool are also keen on the 6ft 5in defender and ready to step up their interest if they receive encouragement that he is open to leaving Italy.

Slot admitted after the Community Shield penalty shootout defeat by Palace that Liverpool’s defending in pre-season had been a cause for concern.

Manchester United are exploring a move for Carlos Baleba but are expected to have to pay a transfer record for an African player if they can persuade Brighton to sell the Cameroon midfielder.

It is understood United have identified Baleba, who excelled for Fabian Hürzeler’s side last season, as a potential long-term solution for their issues in central midfield.

The 21-year-old has three years on his contract, which Brighton have an option to extend by 12 months.

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Sources close to Baleba have indicated he is keen to join United if an agreement can be reached.

It has been suggested it may take more than £100m to sign a player rated as one of the best emerging talents in world football.

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Any United bid for Baleba is understood to be dependent on players being moved on, with Chelsea still in talks over a deal for Alejandro Garnacho and Milan interested in Rasmus Højlund.

United have spent more than £200m this summer on the forwards Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, another Cameroon international.

Baleba, who joined Brighton in 2023 from Lille for £23m, told the Guardian earlier this year that he was happy at Brighton but admitted he wanted “to do more”.
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