Liverpool 'ready to pounce' to beat Chelsea to £70m Premier League transfer

Liverpool are reportedly in the running to try and sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The Reds have just a couple of weeks to wait before the January transfer window opens and they are able to add new players to their squad.

Arne Slot's team are without a win in their last two Premier League matches after draws with Newcastle and Fulham. Liverpool are two points clear of Chelsea with a game in hand following the postponement of the Merseyside derby against Everton earlier this month.

Last summer saw Liverpool heavily linked with several players, with Guehi being one of the names repeatedly mentioned on the rumour mill. Newcastle United were also strongly linked with signing the centre-back, who ended up remaining with Palace, but now that could be set to change.

READ MORE: Liverpool 'eye' head start in Arsenal transfer battle as Johan Bakayoko price tag 'revealed'

READ MORE: 'All of the details' - Mohamed Salah team-mate makes Liverpool contract claim as key date nears

According to the Sunday Mirror, Palace are beginning to accept that they may be forced to allow Guehi to depart in 2025. However, it has been stated that the Eagles will now allow the defender to leave in January, with a summer exit more likely.

The report claims that Liverpool are interested in capitalising on Palace's financial situation and may try to sign Guehi next summer. The Reds will reportedly face competition from Newcastle and Chelsea for the England international's signature, but are "ready to pounce" on a potential deal.

Reports in the summer suggested that Palace rejected a £65million bid from Newcastle for Guehi, instead searching for a £70million fee. However, the latest rumour suggests that the Eagles will be forced to settle for a much lower fee due to Guehi's contract situation, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2026.

Liverpool currently have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah as their centre-back options. Van Dijk is out of contract next summer and talks are still underway over a new deal, and it remains to be seen if the Reds plan to sign any new central defenders in the months ahead.