Marc Guehi to Liverpool moves one step CLOSER

Liverpool have spent around £200m so far in this summer’s transfer window. Landmark arrivals include Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have still got plans to add a high-quality centre-forward before the summer is out. And they are also known to be keen on adding Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

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Liverpool’s centre-back options have been shaken up by the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. But the disruption is not due to end there.

READ MORE: England under-20 star among SEVEN confirmed Liverpool departures

There is increasing uncertainty around the fate of Ibrahima Konate - and it feels right now like the Guehi deal will be influenced by what happens with the Frenchman.

Konate could have influence on Guehi

That’s because Liverpool require outgoings before they go back into the market. It’s believed that Liverpool are willing to listen to bids for Konate this summer - and that would necessitate a new starting centre-back.

Konate, 26, is out of contract in 2026 and there has been no breakthrough in talks over a new deal. A new report from Real Madrid Confidencial now claims that Liverpool are willing to do business at £50m.

And, moreover, it is claimed that Madrid ARE willing to pay it.

Madrid willing to pay for £50m Konate

“The French center-back has been one of Real Madrid's top targets for months,” the report reads. “While the initial plan was to wait until the end of his contract, which is next summer, that has changed.

“Fearing the same fate as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool has expressed its willingness to allow Konaté to leave this summer.

“£50 million is the price the current Premier League champions are willing to accept to part ways with their player. A reasonable price for Real Madrid, with Florentino Pérez preparing an offer to complete this significant transfer.”

Konate out, Guehi in?

Xabi Alonso’s new three-man centre-back system means los Blancos require additions. They have had injury trouble around Eder Militao and David Alaba - and Florentino Perez is now ready to sanction a deal for Konate.

In an ideal world, Madrid would wait until next summer and add the France international on a free. But they are willing to bring forward their plans.

That in turn could accelerate Liverpool’s bid for Guehi.

The 24-year-old Crystal Palace captain is also out of contract in 2026 - but Palace do not want to lose him for free.

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Madrid’s newfound willingness to pay for Konate could now kick off a chain of events which see the French defender depart Merseyside and Guehi arrive in his place.