Liverpool are looking for a defender to replace Virgirl Van Dijk on the left side of centre-back on a long-term basis. The main focus is on a left-footed player who can also pass accurately from his left foot, but England defender Marc Guéhi, who plays in the same position for Crystal Palace, has also been mentioned.
The 24-year-old centre-back has been left to partner John Stones as a replacement for former England manager Gareth Southgate’s favourite, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who was unable to play due to lack of condition.
It is believed that the player is still being tracked, but it is increasingly likely that Liverpool will withdraw from the race. According to Football Insider, Crystal Palace, who sold Michael Olise to Bayern Munich for a hefty fee, are demanding a bullish £70 million and are unlikely to offer that amount.
Liverpool paid £75 million for the Dutch defender. Although it is not a sum that they cannot afford to pay for this one as well, the amount the London club is demanding is exorbitant when compared to his defensive leadership and individual ability as well.
Some clubs may not find it too expensive because of the added premier price of an Englishman, but that does not apply to Liverpool. In recent years, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah have been enough.
Will the 24-year-old former Chelsea defender, who performed brilliantly at EURO 2024, step up his game this summer…?