Liverpool to be forced into January spending spree as rival's £70m decision emerges

Liverpool could be forced into a January transfer battle with Newcastle if the Magpies decide to revive their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The England international was linked with a move to Tyneside all summer but nothing materialised and he ended up staying at Selhurst Park.

Newcastle saw a number of bids rejected by Palace, who were unwilling to settle for anything less than a premium fee. Eagles chairman Steve Parish insisted the Magpies must pay ‘superstar money’ to sign Guehi following his Euro 2024 heroics with England.

The two clubs never managed to strike an agreement, with Guehi staying at Palace beyond the end of the transfer window. His future remains uncertain, though, with Newcastle having been tipped to renew their pursuit of his services in January.

It has been reported that Eddie Howe will sanction more bids for Guehi at the turn of the year with the aim of securing a discount. Palace upped their asking price to around £75million in January but Newcastle will attempt to convince them to accept a fee in the region of £70m, according to Football Insider.

It means Liverpool may be forced into a bidding war should they wish to beat the Magpies to Guehi’s signature. They were credited with a desire to land the 24-year-old over the summer but did not follow Newcastle in firming up their interest with any official bids.

The report adds that Palace are trying to tie Guehi down to a new and improved contract, which is likely to include a release clause of around £70m. Liverpool, therefore, will be able to bypass club negotiations and steer clear of an auction with Newcastle by matching it.

Guehi played down the noise surrounding his future when quizzed by Sky Sports last month, saying: “It is good to be back here, to be playing again with teammates and a run-out in front of some of the fans again, so it is all positive.”

Asked for his thoughts on Parish’s comments, he replied: “I am humbled by that. For someone who is a big part of this football club, for him to say something like that is amazing for someone like me. I am not sure I am a superstar, but it was some really kind words from the chairman.”

The Reds may still be forced into spending big even if Guehi joins Newcastle. That’s because Palace could revive interest in Liverpool defender Joe Gomez who would relish a chance to start week-in, week-out and Arne Slot would be leaving himself light by not replacing the Englishman mid-season.

Liverpool have seemingly been exploring the market for a new centre-back, with Virgil van Dijk’s contract set to expire at the end of the season. The Dutchman is yet to sign a new deal and will turn 34 next year, meaning the future of Liverpool’s defence is uncertain as things stand.

The Reds only made two signings during the summer window, with Federico Chiesa joining on a permanent deal from Juventus. They also struck a deal to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili next summer, with the Georgia international staying in Spain on loan until the end of the campaign.