Liverpool step up pursuit of Marc Guehi with improved £35m bid

Liverpool have returned with an enhanced £35m proposal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, which includes a 10% sell-on clause, as negotiations continue ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, Sport360NG reports.

The Reds initially tabled a straight £35m offer earlier this month, but talks have gathered pace in recent days with Liverpool now willing to include future incentives. Palace, however, are holding out for a package worth £40m, made up of £35m guaranteed plus an additional £5m in performance-related bonuses.

During discussions, Palace floated the idea of including Joe Gomez in the deal, but Liverpool quickly made clear they would not sanction a loan exit for the England international. That has left both sides working towards a cash-only agreement.

Guehi, 25, has declined to extend his contract at Selhurst Park, which is due to expire next summer, leaving Palace with a difficult decision as they seek to avoid losing him for free. Last year, the Eagles turned down a £65m bid from Newcastle, but the defender’s contract situation has changed the club’s stance.

Manager Oliver Glasner has reiterated his wish to keep Guehi, insisting on Friday that “he has to remain a Palace player,” while acknowledging the difficulty of replacing a ready-made Premier League starter.

Palace are simultaneously looking to reinforce their back line, with Toulouse youngster Jaydee Canvot a priority target. Talks for the 19-year-old are progressing, while the club has also expressed interest in more experienced options including Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, though the Swiss defender is unconvinced about a move. Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande and Roma’s Evan Ndicka are also on their radar.

Palace have already seen one key figure depart this summer after Eberechi Eze completed a £60m switch to Arsenal, and the club’s recruitment drive in central defence may determine whether Guehi makes the move to Anfield.