Liverpool have been one of the busiest clubs during the summer transfer window as they have reshaped their Premier League winning side. However, they have yet to reinforce the central defensive ranks.
They might be on track to remedy that fact though as Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi is the their top target at the back this summer and the situation is evolving well in their favor.
While the Reds continue to fight to complete a record-breaking transfer for Alexander Isak, they have not forgotten their need and desire for a player like Guehi.
Liverpool the Frontrunners
Arne Slot's side reportedly have the lead in the race for the Palace captain after it was confirmed Chelsea are pursuing other options following the injury to Levi Colwill.
Newcastle and Tottenham have had previous interest, but the player only wants Liverpool.
Guehi is entering the final year of his contract and would like to take the next step up in his career and swapping the FA Cup winners for the Premier League champions is his desired route.
Crystal Palace are holding out for a transfer fee around the £50 million mark, but the Reds will not meet that asking price and are said to be fine waiting out the London club who they anticipate will cave later in the window as reality sets in.
The Eagles will not want to lose their captain for nothing next summer, so the proposed £40m bid that Liverpool are comfortable with could become increasingly more attractive.
As of now, Isak is still the priority, but Richard Hughes is playing the waiting game on Guehi as he now knows there are no other true suitors for the defender and he will be there when the time is right.
Guehi fills a huge need
Purely from a footballing perspective, Guehi joining the ranks at Anfield would be a huge boost to a side that currently has no true central defensive cover after Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate other than Joe Gomez.
The England international brings instant credibility and would absolutely push Konate for a starting spot, while at worst, he would be the long-term replacement should the Frenchman leave next summer.
Guehi plays with a solidity and professionalism at the back, not unlike VVD, if not quite at those heights of course.
He's a Captain for a reason as he brings impressive leadership qualities to go along with his underrated work on the ball getting out of tight quarters and his strength in shutting down opposing forwards.
He is a very good 1v1 defender which could be useful if he plays alongside Jeremie Frimpong who will be encouraged to bomb forward leaving space in-behind.
His reading of the game, leadership skills and strong passing range make him an ideal transfer target for Liverpool.