Liverpool have started negotiations with Crystal Palace to sign Marc Guehi, and the Reds are optimistic about reaching an agreement following initial talks.
Centre-back Guehi is eager to join Anfield and compete in the Champions League. This will be a setback for Palace, who had hoped to retain their key defender, though chairman Steve Parish recently acknowledged they might have to let him go.
Liverpool are also targeting Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. While they have yet to officially approach the Serie A club, they are keen to finalize a deal for the 18-year-old during this transfer window. Manager Arne Slot wants to strengthen the defense before the window closes, with Guehi as the primary target.
The Reds recently sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen and saw Nat Phillips leave for West Brom. Joe Gomez remains the most experienced backup to Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk but is currently sidelined with an injury.
Leoni broke into Parma’s first team last season, making 17 appearances in Serie A. The Italy under-19 international has attracted interest from several top Italian clubs, but Liverpool see him as an ideal addition who can develop alongside Van Dijk and Konate.
Guehi has been a top priority this summer after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s leading English centre-backs. He captained Palace to the FA Cup final last season and led them to victory against Liverpool in the Community Shield penalty shootout.
Having come through Chelsea’s youth system, where he played only two competitive matches, Guehi impressed during a loan spell at Swansea City before joining Palace in 2021. He has made 156 appearances for Palace, scored eight goals, and earned 23 England caps since breaking into the national team while at the south London club.
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