Liverpool boss Arne Slot told which defender he must sign as ex-star gives mixed messages

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been told that Marc Guehi is going to be the ‘real deal’ and that the Reds should consider a £65million deal with Crystal Palace. Former defender Glen Johnson has been a big fan of Guehi’s performances for England at Euro 2024.

The 23-year-old has continued his excellent form at Palace into this summer’s tournament. Harry Maguire’s calf injury opened a place at the heart of England’s defence ahead of the tournament.

Johnson believes that while a reported £65m fee might be substantial, Liverpool and Guehi’s former club Chelsea should be seeking a move. Guehi has only two years remaining on his contract at Palace.

“I couldn’t promise you right now that £65 million is a good bit of business but in terms of his profile, he looks like he’s going to be the real deal. Chelsea and Liverpool should definitely join the race for sure, as he looks like he’s going to be some player,” the former Liverpool star told Betfred.

“He’s still a young lad, he makes common mistakes like every single player does but one that sticks out in my head was in the game against Denmark where he made a mistake but then all of a sudden, he came out of nowhere, got down and made the block, so I love that attitude.

“He didn’t sulk or blame it on anyone else, he just got back and dealt with it, so if he’s got that mentality now, then he’s going to be a great player for sure.

‘I’m not sure he’s worth £65 million right now, but two years from now it could be considered cheap. It does seem rather expensive at the moment, but he’s only going to go for whatever people are willing to pay, and if someone else is willing to pay it, then I think Chelsea and Liverpool should as well.”

Guehi’s yellow card in England’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia means he will be suspended for the quarter-final tie with Switzerland on Saturday. Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez or Ezri Konsa will partner John Stones.

Tottenham are also believed to be interested in a move for Guehi. Palace are unlikely to need to sell the player, having already allowed Michael Olise to seal a £55m switch to Bayern Munich.

However, the south London club will be aware that Guehi’s value will continue to decline the longer a new contract remains unsigned.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are widely expected to sign a new defender this summer. Joel Matip is now a free agent after leaving Anfield at the end of his contract.