‘Crystal Palace eye Middlesbrough’s Van den Berg amid Guehi to Liverpool developments’
Crystal Palace have lined up Marc Guehi’s replacement with the defender’s future still uncertain at Selhurst Park.
Guehi has one year left on his current contract but will not sign a new deal as he eyes a move away from South London.
Premier League champions Liverpool are one of the club’s interested in the 24-year-old, with concerns Ibrahima Konate could leave Anfield.
Liverpool need reinforcements in the area too after the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have also expressed previous interest in the England international.
Championship defender to step up
Palace have been monitoring Middlesborough centre-back Rav van den Berg as a potential signing should, as expected, Guehi departs according to The Sun [June 30].
The 20-year-old moved to the North East from the Netherlands in 2023 and appeared 27 times for Middlesborough last season.
Van den Berg has been playing at the Euro Under-21 Championships this summer.
The Dutchman started three games at the tournament, including in the semi-final defeat to England.
Palace could make a double raid on Middlesborough’s squad with the club also interested in midfielder Hayden Hackney.
That would be a massive blow just a week into the job for new manager Rob Edwards, who has replaced former boss Michael Carrick at the Riverside.
Glasner securing replacement as Guehi looks set for move
Football Insider verdict
Palace are being smart in lining up Guehi’s successor before the defender has even left the club.
At 20, Van den Berg has already proven himself to be an accomplished Championship defender.
Palace believe the Dutchman could make the step up to the Premier League, but either way with the demands of potential European football next season manager Oliver Glasner needs to add more depth to his squad.
| Appearances | 66 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
The club is still awaiting the final verdict on whether they can compete in Europe due to multi club ownership rules.
Guehi though looks like he will join a club in the Champions League next season.
A move to Liverpool is still pending a final decision on whether Konate signs a new contract on Merseyside.
The Reds could then buy Guehi at under £50m due to his own contract situation.
Palace do not want to let the defender leave on a free transfer and prefer cashing in this summer.