Liverpool centre-back contract deal under THREAT by Man Utd

Liverpool missed out on the deadline-day signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old centre-back was the subject of an initial £35m bid from Anfield - which the FA Cup holders knocked back at the 11th hour.

That transfer miss has had a profound impact on Liverpool’s season - as Arne Slot has been reduced to only three senior fit central defensive options.

Competition hotting up for Guehi

But encouragement can be taken from the fact that England international Guehi is out of contract in summer 2026. Liverpool - although having lost their clear run at Guehi - may be able to tempt him on a free transfer.

One problem for that plan however is the interest that is materialising in Guehi from elsewhere in the Premier League as well as in Europe.

Real Madrid are expected to challenge the Premier League champions for Guehi’s signature - and now more jeopardy has been introduced in the shape of Manchester United.

The Red Devils are facing up to the prospect of losing long-serving Harry Maguire next summer with no progress made on a new deal. And according to a report in the Daily Mail, Ruben Amorim’s side are exploring a deal for Guehi.

Guehi to replace Maguire

“Expect United to be watching Marc Guehi’s situation with interest given his contract will be six months from expiring,” the report reads.

“A centre back is on the agenda with limited progress made on extending Harry Maguire’s deal, which expires in the summer. He will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs abroad in around six weeks' time as things stand.

“While United are not expecting significant activity in January, they are not ruling out bringing forward moves for summer targets if the chance presents itself.”

Liverpool's other centre-back options

That means United could well be active for Guehi in January - a player who is more than comfortable playing in Amorim’s preferred back-three system.

Liverpool are going to have to face up to a centre-back revamp sooner or later - with Ibrahima Konate out of contract next summer.

Furthermore, they could sell Joe Gomez since the England man is out of favour and has a contract expiring in 2027. Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, is 34 now and is only under contract until summer 2027.

Guehi is just one of a host of names associated with a move to Merseyside at centre-back. Also named are Ronald Araujo, Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck.

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