Crystal Palace tip dramatic twist in Marc Guehi saga as Liverpool surge ahead of Man Utd in January race

Crystal Palace insiders reportedly believe that if Marc Guehi moves this January, Liverpool will be his destination — even though several major clubs have been linked with him.

 

The England defender came close to joining the Reds in late summer, according to BBC Sport, but the deal fell apart at the final stages. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, his future remains one of the key storylines to watch. His consistent performances for Palace make him an attractive free-agent option for top clubs, and the Daily Mail recently suggested Manchester United are also monitoring the situation.

 

However, Sky Sports claims Palace expect that only Liverpool would push for a January deal, as most other teams may prefer to wait and sign him for nothing next summer. Despite the failed summer move, talks between Guehi and Liverpool had reportedly progressed significantly, so it wouldn’t be a shock if the defender still favours a switch to Arne Slot’s squad.

 

The 25-year-old could be crucial for Liverpool, especially with Ibrahima Konaté refusing to commit to a new contract. If Konaté makes it clear he won’t extend his stay, securing Guehi as soon as possible would be a logical step for the club.

 

Manchester United would also benefit from a defender of Guehi’s calibre, potentially as a long-term successor to the ageing Harry Maguire.

 

Liverpool’s defensive woes this season highlight their need for reinforcements — Slot’s side has already conceded 17 Premier League goals in just 11 games. Compared to rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, they sit far too low on the list of teams with the fewest goals conceded. With Virgil van Dijk showing signs of decline, adding a strong centre-back like Guehi could dramatically improve their back line.

 

Had Liverpool completed the deal in the summer, they might not already be slipping out of the title race before December has even arrived.