Liverpool have reportedly made a decision on their future interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
After leading the Eagles to their first major trophy last season as they beat Man City in the FA Cup final, Guehi was the subject of a summer of speculation surrounding his future.
Liverpool were repeatedly linked with Guehi throughout the transfer window, with Arne Slot said to be a keen admirer of the England international.
Discussions between the two clubs following last month’s Community Shield appeared to be positive, with Palace chairman Steve Parish admitting the club could not afford to lose him on a free transfer when his contract expires.
On deadline day it appeared the stalemate had been broken with Guehi undergoing a medical as he prepared to sign a five-year deal on Merseyside.
Ultimately though the transfer did not come to fruition as Palace boss Oliver Glasner intervened at the 11th hour after their attempts to bring in a suitable replacement proved unsuccessful.
Liverpool will not make a move for Marc Guehi in the January window according to reports
Arne Slot’s side looked to have signed the Crystal Palace captain before a deal collapsed on deadline day
Oliver Glasner is said to have stopped the move as Palace were unable to find a suitable replacement for the 25-year-old
Despite the move collapsing Liverpool are still understood to be interested in Guehi, but the transfer will not happen before next summer according to a report from The Times.
The report notes that Slot’s side will not attempt to sign the 25-year-old in January, and will instead wait for his contract to expire before looking to revive the move.
While they were unable to complete a deal for Guehi, Liverpool did strengthen their defensive options in the transfer window this summer.
Last month the club completed the £26million signing of Italian centre back Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
Leoni, 18, only broke through in Serie A last season but Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, believes he is one of the best young defenders on the market.
He had interest from across Italy, including Inter Milan, and even Newcastle, who made an official offer. But the player, who is 6ft 5in, only wanted Liverpool and it is understood he gave an ‘immediate yes’ when they came knocking.
Leoni is expected to be named in the next Italy squad and the Reds view him as a potential long-term replacement for captain Virgil van Dijk, who will be 36 when his latest contract expires.
