Liverpool one step CLOSER to Marc Guehi after centre-back contract offer

Phase one of Liverpool’s summer transfer spending is over. The Reds have wrapped up major deals for Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.

Two goalkeepers in the shape of Freddie Woodman and Armin Pecsi have also come through the door. But the next step will be outgoings.

READ MORE: Chelsea want SURPRISE deal for £50m Liverpool midfielder

The Reds have spent close to £200m already and if deals are to be done later in the window then exits will be necessary.

READ MORE: Liverpool defender closer to agreement over new deal

We could see Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa depart from Arne Slot’s attack - while bids will be heard for fringe players like Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton.

Liverpool's centre-back uncertainty

The club are set to receive a £30m boost to the coffers through the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen - a move which leaves a slot free for a new centre-back.

Factor in the uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate and the need for a new central defender could become all the more pressing.

Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton’s £70m-rated stopper, has been suggested as a potential incoming deal. The 23-year-old is only under contract for the Toffees until 2027 - thereby allowing potentially interested clubs to steal in and make a deal.

But that seems unlikely now with Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas now reporting that Everton are close to wrapping up a new contract for Branthwaite.

Everton finalising contract for Branthwaite

“Everton close to finalising a new contract with Jarrad Branthwaite,” he wrote on X.

“Still some elements to agree but expected to re-sign for the club, possibly next wk.”

The player signing an extended deal doesn’t lessen Liverpool’s need for a new centre-back and there is no shortage of contenders.

The likes of Nathan Zeze, Cristhian Mosquera, Joel Ordonez, Jorrel Hato, Ousmane Diomande and Levi Colwill have all been listed among the potential arrivals.

But perhaps one name now stands out above all others with Branthwaite seemingly off the menu.

Marc Guehi emerges as leading contender

Marc Guehi, 24, looks set to depart Crystal Palace with just one year left on his contract. The Eagles turned down a reported £70m bid for the England man back in January from Tottenham and he is set to be available for far less during this transfer window.

If Liverpool can come to an arrangement quickly over Guehi then he could be the best fit for a new face at centre-back.

Although it’s been reported that Guehi would like to see out his Crystal Palace deal, it’s not likely that the South London club will be happy to entertain that prospect.

READ MORE: The SIX centre-backs on Liverpool's transfer shortlist

Therefore Guehi could be available to Liverpool for a fraction of his transfer value - rather than the £70m previously quoted for both he and Branthwaite.