Liverpool stance on hijacking Newcastle transfer for Marc Guehi as 'negotiations underway'

Liverpool’s pursuit of England centre-back Marc Guehi is seemingly off after the Reds opted against a big-money bid. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield ever since his stellar showing at Euro 2024, where he was pivotal in his country’s run to the final.

The Reds are in need of defensive reinforcements following the departure of Joel Matip, while captain Virgil van Dijk has just 12 months left on his current deal.

And new boss Arne Slot had been expected to target Guehi as his first statement signing this summer, despite Newcastle holding talks with Crystal Palace over a move according to The Athletic.

However, according to The Times, Liverpool have withdrawn from the race, and will not be making any efforts to scupper Newcastle’s bid. It leaves Eddie Howe with a free run at the player who the London club reportedly rate at over £70million.

Howe suffered two blows to his defence last season when both Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman picked up knee injuries in March. And amid a gruelling campaign that included Champions League football, the club’s squad depth was notably tested as they failed to match their top-four finish of the previous season.

Even prior to the tournament in Germany, Guehi had been linked with a host of top clubs. Arsenal and Manchester United were two Premier League sides in the frame, but both have opted to sign centre-backs from abroad this summer.

Liverpool’s apparent reluctance is likely to further exacerbate fans, who are growing impatient at the lack of summer arrivals. Slot is yet to officially seal his first signing since taking over from Jurgen Klopp, with the club currently in America on their pre-season tour.

Guehi hadn’t even appeared in line to start for the Three Lions at the Euros before an injury to Harry Maguire. And during the tournament, team-mate Kyle Walker lavished praise on the former Chelsea man.

“Marc, from the moment he stepped into the camp he properly stepped into that role,” he said. “I thought he was fantastic. He didn’t put a foot wrong and hopefully that has got his feelings right now and settle the nerves a little bit, and we can form a good partnership along that back line.”

Guehi came through the ranks at Chelsea, before spending a season on loan in the Championship at Swansea in 2020/21. Following that campaign, he signed for Palace in an £18million deal.

The Blues, however, did ensure they profited from any future sale. Their top-flight rivals will need to pass on 20 per cent of any fee they receive, which could mean as much as £14m given their apparent valuation.