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That very much seems to be the case for Liverpool, with centre-back long viewed by supporters as a position in desperate need of reinforcement this summer.

With Joe Gomez’s persistent injury issues and the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, Arne Slot heads into Friday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth with just two fit senior centre-backs at his disposal.

That may be about to change, however, with Liverpool stepping up their pursuit of not just Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, but also Parma teenager Giovanni Leoni - hence, two arriving at once.



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ECHO Sport reported on Tuesday that the Reds are poised to intensify their interest in Leoni, who is also attracting attention from several clubs in Italy.

Liverpool have also opened talks with Palace over a potential £35 million deal for their captain, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.

Palace chairman Steve Parish admitted over the weekend, following the London club’s Community Shield triumph over Liverpool on penalties, that they cannot afford to lose Guehi for free next summer.

The Guardian’s Ed Aarons claims Palace boss Oliver Glasner would prefer to keep the 25-year-old and see out his contract, as they prepare for a European campaign, albeit only in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

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That same report adds that Guehi is prepared to remain at Palace for one more year if a deal cannot be agreed.

It’s also worth noting that clubs such as Barcelona and Juventus are expected to show interest next summer should he become a free agent, which only adds urgency for Liverpool to act now and avoid competition down the line.

Guehi may favour a switch to Anfield this summer, according to reports, but that could easily change if one of Europe’s other heavyweights, such as Barcelona, joins the race.

A smart signing to get ahead of the curve before other top clubs come calling further down the line.

Guehi, however, is a signing for the present and is someone who would provide Liverpool with the depth and quality to rotate Van Dijk and Konate regularly.

He would already have a year under his belt if Konate were to depart, which would soften the blow and ensure continuity.

And with minimal, if any, competition for his signature this summer, Guehi is simply a signing Liverpool cannot afford to wait on, or risk missing out on altogether.


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