Liverpool have reopened direct talks with Marc Guehi\u2019s representatives this week as they attempt to steal a march on Real Madrid and bring the Crystal Palace captain to Anfield in January, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old centre-back, whose deal at Selhurst Park expires in June, is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1. Real Madrid have made no secret of their long-standing admiration and are actively exploring the possibility of securing Guehi on a free transfer next summer.<\/p>\n
That scenario has alarmed Anfield\u2019s hierarchy. With Virgil van Dijk in the latter years of his career, and amid Ibrahima Konate\u2019s poor form<\/a> and uncertain future, Arne Slot has identified Guehi as his priority defensive target to future-proof the back line.<\/p>\n Liverpool<\/a> believe Palace\u2019s resolve has softened since the summer, when a deal worth up to \u00a335million with add-ons collapsed at the eleventh hour. The Eagles\u2019 mid-table position and need for transfer funds to support Oliver Glasner\u2019s rebuild have changed the landscape.<\/p>\n Sources indicate the Reds are willing to offer between \u00a325-30m next month \u2013 significantly below Palace\u2019s \u00a370m demands from January 2025, but enough to give the south London club money to reinvest rather than losing their skipper for nothing in seven months\u2019 time.<\/p>\n Guehi<\/a> himself is understood to be open to the move after agreeing terms in the summer. The England star has already rejected two contract offers from Palace and is attracted by the prospect of Champions League football and a central role in Slot\u2019s project.<\/p>\n YOUR NEXT READ<\/strong>\u00a0\ud83d\udc49\u00a0Key factor in Elliot Anderson hunt revealed as Man Utd face Liverpool, Man City threat \u2013 sources<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Liverpool frontrunners for Marc Guehi as Palace react<\/p>\n While Barcelona and Atletico Madrid continue to monitor developments, Liverpool\u2019s proactive approach this week \u2013 including direct dialogue with Guehi\u2019s agents \u2013 has placed them firmly at the front of the queue.<\/p>\n With less than four weeks until the window opens, the next fortnight is expected to be decisive. Liverpool are determined to avoid a repeat of the summer frustration and are ready to move quickly to secure one of England\u2019s most composed defenders before Real Madrid can strike.<\/p>\n We revealed on November 20 that Palace have identified Sporting CP\u2019s Ousmane Diomande as their primary target to replace Guehi<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sources indicate Palace are drawing up a club-record bid worth at least \u20ac50m (\u00a344m) for the Ivorian defender. Although, Chelsea could hijack the move.<\/p>\n Liverpool transfer news: Sell-on clause could be activated; Bellingham claim<\/p>\n