Crystal Palace backed to accept ‘£50m’ Marc Guehi offer – ‘it’s above what Liverpool were willing to pay’
Crystal Palace could entertain offers for Marc Guehi during the January transfer window to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that clubs across Europe could be prepared to test the waters for the England star.
However, clubs would be expected to pay over the £35million offer Liverpool saw accepted on deadline day before Guehi’s move to Anfield collapsed.
Football Insider revealed on 6 September that Liverpool are unlikely to move for Guehi in January and instead will wait to snap him up on a free transfer next summer.
They are expected to face competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Man City on a free transfer, but clubs could be tempted to accelerate their moves.
Crystal Palace open to accepting Marc Guehi offer in January
Brown told Football Insider on 5 September that Real Madrid and Barcelona have joined the race for Guehi, although Liverpool remain the front-runners.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that any injury issues or major concerns could tempt clubs into a “bargain” January deal.
“Obviously, a lot of clubs are interested in signing Guehi,” he told Football Insider.
“I don’t think it’s impossible that we’ll see him move on in January because yes, Crystal Palace won’t want to lose him, but if somebody comes in with £40-50million it might get it done.
“It’s above the fee Liverpool were willing to pay, but £35million in the summer is different to £35million when you’re half way through the season and relying on your captain.
“So it’ll take a bit of a bigger offer to get it done, but if somebody told you you could sign England’s first-choice centre-back for £40million in this market, you’d snap their hand off, it’s a bargain.
“So if somebody gets an injury or feels they’re in desperate need of a centre-back, they may well go to Crystal Palace and see if a deal can be done.
“If not, he’ll be going on a free and he’ll get a fair whack of the money himself with a signing-on bonus and all of that, so it’s a win-win for him.”
Chelsea and Man City join Liverpool in race to sign Guehi
As a result of Liverpool’s failed move for Guehi on deadline day, the door has been opened for a number of their rivals to swoop in and poach him.
Brown told Football Insider on 9 September that Man City are preparing to beat Liverpool to Guehi and feel they can convince him to make the move to Manchester.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could being Guehi back to Stamford Bridge, five years after he left the club to join Palace for just £18million.
Guehi could decide to snub Liverpool in favour of a move abroad as well, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.
Ultimately, the defender has benefited despite the early frustrations of the collapsed move when Guehi was set to be angry at Crystal Palace.
For more Crystal Palace and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.