‘Crystal Palace move for Ousmane Diomande on hold amid fresh Guehi update’
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has provided an update on his future which could mean ramifications in their pursuit of Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
Guehi only has one year left on his current deal at Selhurst Park and Palace want to cash in on the defender in this window, and the club have already sourced Diomande as his replacement.
Palace have faced an uncertain transfer window due to issues with UEFA and multi-club ownership rules and not knowing whether they will play in the Europa League or Europa Conference League next season.
The London club qualified for European football after winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history thanks to a goal from Eberechi Eze, who is also linked with a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Guehi reveals likely next destination
It was exclusively revealed by Football Insider that Guehi is keen to join Liverpool above any other rival bids from likes of Tottenham, who have also showed interest in the 25-year-old.
Liverpool also hold “concrete” interest in Guehi and the Reds are working behind the scenes to make a deal happen.
| Apperances | 44 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande is “lined up” as a replacement should Guehi leave according to The Guardian [July 30].
However, with Liverpool “reluctant” to meet Palace’s valuation on Guehi, a move for Diomande may not materialise.
The 21-year-old appeared 46 times for Sporting last season as the club won the Portuguese title and progressed to the knock out stages of the Champions League.
Sporting have already lost one key player this summer in Viktor Gyokeres, who sealed a move to Arsenal.
Palace uncertainty threatens to derail European debut
Football Insider Verdict
Guehi has attracted plenty of attention this summer, but his price tag is currently putting a move to Premier League champions Liverpool on hold.
Palace could lose Guehi on a free transfer next summer if they do not cash in on him in this window.
With the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen and the potential exit of Ibrahima Konate, the Reds may need to find a new centre-back to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool want to tie Konate down to a new contract, but Real Madrid are admirers of the Frenchman and plan to submit an offer.
Palace have had a quiet transfer window due to their battles with UEFA and the expected loss of Guehi alongside Eze would leave Oliver Glasner with plenty of work to do in the final month of the window.
Glasner has done a remarkable job at Palace, but with the uncertainty surrounding the club at the moment the Austrian may be on for his biggest challenge yet next season.
Ideally, Glasner needs to add to his squad to cope with the demands of European football and that so far has not materialised with just two new signings through the door.