
Liverpool are almost certain to sign a centre-back or two in the next summer transfer window as sporting Richard Hughes prepares for life without Virgil van Dijk in the team.
Van Dijk has been an icon at Anfield but his contract is set to expire at the end of the season and the defender has yet to sign a new deal with the club.
The Dutchman’s representatives have been in talks over a new deal with the club but he has remained non-committal about his future on Merseyside beyond the end of his current deal.
Liverpool are looking at defenders as they are aware that they will need to find a long-term replacement for Van Dijk even if he stays at the club.
Several young defenders are being looked at but Liverpool are also aware that signing a Premier League-proven defender would be ideal given Van Dijk’s experience.
Marc Guehi was a target for the Reds in the summer but Newcastle made the more serious attempt to sign him and tabled four offers for him.
However, Palace stayed firm on their valuation of the centre-back and the England defender remained at Selhurst Park.
Marc Guehi feels he could do better than Newcastle and Liverpool would be his preference
It seems Guehi was not completely sold on a move to Newcastle despite the club’s attempts to take him to St. James’ Park in the summer.
According to Football Insider, the defender has confided to a friend that he wants to join a bigger club than Newcastle.
He is holding out for a bigger move and Liverpool would be his preference if he leaves Palace in the near future.
The Palace captain has been tipped to replace Van Dijk at Anfield and this would give the Reds a boost in their pursuit of the defender.
Palace are not likely to knock down their £70m asking price but that is still less than what Liverpool paid for Van Dijk more than six years back.
The Palace captain could be the ideal replacement for Van Dijk
One of the reasons Liverpool paid the big bucks for Van Dijk in 2018 was that he was Premier League-proven and ready to get into the team immediately.
While the Reds are considering players in Europe, a move for Guehi would be the ideal scenario as he is an established England international and has proven his worth in the Premier League.
He would be ready to get straight into the team if Van Dijk leaves at the end of the season and would not need extra time to adapt to the Premier League.
However, the Reds are likely to face competition from clubs such as Manchester United and Manchester City and Guehi’s price could rise next summer.
