The Reds, who have already splashed out heavily this summer, are also eyeing Parma's young talent Giovanni Leoni as a fallback option, signaling their determination to bolster their defence before the transfer window slams shut.
The Premier League champions have been busy reshaping their squad, with big-name arrivals like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike already through the door at Anfield. However, the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for 35 million pounds has left a gap in their backline, prompting manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes to prioritize a new centre-back.
Guehi, a 25-year-old England international, has emerged as Liverpool's top target. Crystal Palace, aware that Guehi's contract is in its final year, are keen to avoid losing him for free in 2026.
Palace chairman Steve Parish has admitted the club cannot afford to let such a valuable asset walk away without a fee. "Palace want to sell Guehi now because he won't sign a new contract," journalist Ben Jacobs reported, adding that Guehi "is prepared to see out his contract if the right opportunity doesn't emerge" but is not pushing for a move.
Palace have set a 40-million-pound valuation on Guehi, a figure Liverpool consider steep given his contract situation. However, the Reds' path to signing him has been cleared by fading competition.
Newcastle, previously interested, have turned to AC Milan's Malick Thiaw, while Chelsea, despite needing a centre-back after Levi Colwill's injury, are not expected to pursue Guehi, according to The Telegraph. This has positioned Liverpool as frontrunners for the defender's signature.
Despite their focus on Guehi, Liverpool are keeping their options open. Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg revealed that the Reds are "seriously considering" Parma's 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni as a potential alternative. "He is high on the list," Plettenberg said, noting that Liverpool could "push for Leoni" if a deal for Guehi collapses.
Leoni, described by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano as "probably the biggest young star we have in Italy in his position," has also caught the eye of Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan, but Liverpool's interest is growing stronger.
The Reds' defensive frailties were exposed in their recent Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, where they failed to keep a clean sheet, a recurring issue during pre-season. With only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and the injury-prone Joe Gomez as senior centre-back options, Liverpool are under pressure to act swiftly.
Liverpool's next steps hinge on negotiations with Palace. If they can secure Guehi at a price below Palace's 40-million-pound asking price, it could represent a major coup. Otherwise, Leoni's emergence as a serious alternative offers a glimpse of a long-term investment for the Reds' defence.
With the transfer window ticking down, the coming weeks promise to be pivotal for Slot's side as they aim to solidify their backline and maintain their Premier League dominance.
Crystal Palace have launched a scathing attack on UEFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League was upheld.
Tottenham Hotspur have ignited the transfer market with a daring move to outmaneuver rivals Arsenal in the race for Crystal Palace's star midfielder Eberechi Eze, while also pursuing Manchester City's winger Savinho.
Newcastle United's star striker Alexander Isak has escalated his efforts to secure a blockbuster move to Liverpool, declaring he will never play for the Magpies again.
Everton are reportedly considering a move for Leicester City and Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku ahead of the transfer deadline this summer.
