The Reds have already splashed out around two hundred and ninety million pounds on new arrivals, making them Europe's top spenders, but they remain hungry for more reinforcements after offloading Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Jarell Quansah to boost funds.

The Anfield outfit have also been linked with Newcastle's Alexander Isak, yet Guehi stands out as a prime target to bolster their backline. Liverpool have recently snapped up teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni, but reports suggest they could pair him with Guehi, especially amid whispers that Ibrahima Konate fancies a switch to Real Madrid before his contract runs out in 2026.

Guehi, hailed as one of the Premier League's standout centre-backs and an England international, has entered the final year of his Palace deal, putting him on the market for roughly forty million pounds. Recent updates reveal Liverpool value him at thirty-five million pounds, while Palace are holding firm at forty-five million pounds, leaving the clubs ten million pounds apart.

Despite interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, Guehi has turned down contract offers from both, insisting he only wants a move to Liverpool if he departs Selhurst Park now.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that the transfer hinges on two key factors. "The ball is largely in Palace’s court. If they do not want to lose Guehi as a free agent, given he has no intention of renewing a contract scheduled to expire in June 2026, they will need to sanction the captain’s sale," Ornstein has said.

"Even then, the England centre-back must decide whether he wishes to go and fight for a starting place at Anfield in a World Cup year or see out his last 12 months before hand-picking the next destination."

Adding to the drama, former Premier League scout Mick Brown has suggested Palace could issue Liverpool an ultimatum.

"Crystal Palace don’t want to lose both Eze and Guehi," Brown has told Football Insider. "Especially after the season has already started, losing two of their best and most important players would be a significant blow to the manager’s plans. If it’s going to happen, they need it to happen quickly so they can go and find replacements. It won’t be something they let go through on deadline day, that is for certain."

Brown added that Palace might stick to their price and tell Liverpool to "pay up or shut up."

However, latest developments show Palace are preparing for life without Guehi by lining up potential replacements, signaling a sale could be on the cards.

Sources indicate Guehi is expected to join Liverpool this month, with the BBC pushing a thirty-five million pound fee as a realistic landing spot.

Liverpool journalist James Pearce has confirmed further discussions are planned this week, though valuations remain a sticking point.

A recent on-pitch moment where Guehi appeared to snub Palace boss Oliver Glasner after a substitution has fueled speculation, but it has been clarified as unintentional and unrelated to any transfer unrest.

Roy Keane, commenting on the incident, has noted that with Guehi's contract winding down, Liverpool might snag a bargain.

As the clock ticks, Liverpool's determination could force Palace's hand, potentially delivering Arne Slot a top-tier defender ready to compete at the highest level.

Bradley Cross happy to compete for his place at Kaizer Chiefs