Liverpool sent January message over Marc Guehi transfer amid Virgil van Dijk fears
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCFormer Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy is adamant his old club must complete Marc Guehi transfer in JanuaryLiverpool have been told they must "go all out" to sign Marc Guehi in January to help ease the pressure on Virgil van Dijk to remain fit. The Reds had agreed a £35million deal for Guehi on transfer deadline day at the start of last month only for Crystal Palace to pull the plug having been unable to sign a suitable replacement.Guehi has responded with a series of impressive performances for Palace, including in the 2-1 win over Liverpool at Selhurst Park a fortnight ago.Liverpool presently have only three senior centre-backs available with summer signing Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the season after surgery to repair ACL damage.READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate released from France squad as Liverpool injury concerns continueREAD MORE: Liverpool defender suffers major blow as two players hand Arne Slot fitness boost ahead of Man UtdThe Reds had initially intended to make another move for Guehi at the end of the season when he becomes a free agent with the expiry of his contract at Palace.Real Madrid, though, are now among a number of other leading European clubs keeping tabs on Guehi, with former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy convinced his old club must now act when the transfer window opens in the New Year.“We’ve got 11 weeks or so until the window opens," said Murphy.
He’s calm, he’s quick and he’s a good footballer. For such an important position you need the best or the one you want.”Ibrahima Konate has been released early from the France squad as he strives to recover from a thigh issue that saw him limp off during last weekend's Premier League defeat at Chelsea.And with Joe Gomez having featured for just 29 minutes in the top flight this season, Murphy admits the onus is on Van Dijk to remain available.“From a short-term perspective, I think if Virgil were to get an injury that’s a huge problem for Liverpool," said Murphy, speaking to Aceodds.com."Konate has shown he’s capable of overcoming bad spells.
We know he’s capable. The only reason that might not matter is if Virgil stays fit and he’s got a great habit of staying fit for large parts of the season."He’s in great physical condition and centre-back is probably the best position when it comes to running and doing less miles.”