With Liverpool playing a waiting game in their bid to sign Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace are making moves for two possible replacements for their captain.
Progress over a deal to bring Guehi to Anfield could come after Palace’s UEFA Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad FK on Thursday evening.
Manager Oliver Glasner made it clear that he needs the 25-year-old for that second leg, but with Palace minded to sell as he has entered the final year of his contract a decision could be made as early as Friday.
To that end, Palace are seeking a direct replacement for their No. 6, with Man City‘s Manuel Akanji and Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu both targets.
The Guardian‘s Ed Aarons reports on X that Palace have approached Monaco over a potential loan deal for Salisu, who is also attracting interest from Olympiakos.
Meanwhile there has already been contact over a deal for Akanji, but the London club have been left to wait on the Switzerland international’s decision over any move from Man City.
According to BBC Sport, Man City are seeking a fee in the region of £15 million for Akanji, who is also wanted by Galatasaray.
Though it remains to be seen if Palace will advance in negotiations for either player, this latest development shows their commitment to replacing Guehi.
Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande and Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez have also been touted with moves to Selhurst Park this summer.
In an update on Thursday, the Mail‘s Lewis Steele explained that Liverpool have held more talks with Palace over a deal for Guehi this week.
The champions are prepared to pay over £30 million for the defender, who is ready to make the move to Merseyside, though there is no guarantee yet that the transfer will go through this summer.
However both Liverpool and Guehi appear open to revisiting the situation either in January or even next summer – by which point he will be a free agent – if required.
As it stands though all signs point towards the England international becoming a Liverpool player before the 7pm deadline on Monday.
But as is the case with the pursuit of Newcastle‘s Alexander Isak, the Reds are left waiting for other pieces to fall into place before they can finalise a deal.