Liverpool handed further boost for Marc Guehi transfer after Crystal Palace drop major hint

Reds are on the market for defensive reinforcements after struggling throughout pre-season

Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Liverpool

Liverpool have been handed a further boost in their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

The Premier League champions’ need for defensive reinforcements was highlighted once again on Sunday as they conceded twice against the Eagles in the Community Shield penalty shootout loss.

It means the Reds have only kept one clean sheet in pre-season and that was the 5-0 thumping of Stoke City in a behind-closed doors friendly at the club’s training ground last month.

Having sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, in addition to Joe Gomez currently out of action due to injury, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is down to just two fit senior central defenders ahead of his side’s opening game of the season against Bournemouth.

Amid talk of signing a replacement for Darwin Nunez, a new central defender is also thought to be a priority for the Reds before the summer transfer window closes.

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Guehi have increased two-fold over the weekend. Newcastle, who had been tipped to revive their interest in the Palace captain, have agreed a deal for AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw with a medical already booked.

Furthermore, Palace chairman Steve Parish has admitted he will sell Guehi if a suitable offer arrives to avoid the risk of losing the England international on a free transfer next summer.