Latest developments
- Liverpool are targeting Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
- The Englishman has already been rumoured to join Chelsea or Newcastle United.
- The Reds can be expected to pay an initial £65 million.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): TeamTALK know the asking price
Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a big-money move for Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi in January, after reported interest from Chelsea and Newcastle.
This news broke on Monday and has been picked up by transfer news site teamtalk.com, who understand the asking price from Palace is £65 million, plus add-ons.
Value (3/5): More reasonable than first thought
Reports earlier in the season suggested the price tag put on Guehi's head was closer to the £80 million mark for the 24-year-old.
An initial £65 million may still be high for a centre-back battling relegation, but Guehi's consistent performances make it clear he is destined for greater things.
Suitability (4.5/5): Should meet the expectations
With plenty of experience both as part of a back three and four during his time with the Eagles and England, Guehi will have no qualms about forming a formidable partnership in the Reds' back line.
The added pressure of playing for a title challenger will be knew to him, but 22 caps for the best England side in generations suggests he can hack it at the very top.
Upgrade (4.5/5): Who would he partner?
In previous years, he would be seen as the incoming centre-back partner for Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman has had many partners at the back, but now that he is 33 and out of contract in the summer, is it his place that's under threat from Guehi?
He would definitely be above Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah in the pecking order, at least.
Logic (4/5): Reds can't rest on their laurels
Liverpool might be atop the Premier League table, but their lead has been drastically cut in recent weeks and a red card to Andy Robertson highlighted their lack of depth across the back. Making a statement signing to make things up could be the right boost they need to win the title.
A move back to boyhood club Chelsea was said to be Guehi's preference, but that was before Liverpool became interested.
Whisper+ verdict: 18.5/25
The arrival of Guehi in January could put the title – plus other silverware down the line – in touching distance for Liverpool, making a bid worth the money. They will just have to hope Guehi's connections with Chelsea aren't too strong.
