Liverpool ‘keeping watch’ on 2 centre-back alternatives to Marc Guehi

Liverpool are actively seeking a new centre-back, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as their top target. However, Crystal Palace are demanding a high transfer fee, reported to be between £50 million and £65 million, despite Guehi entering the final year of his contract and risking leaving for free next summer. Liverpool are reluctant to meet that valuation.

Should they fail to sign Guehi, Liverpool have identified two alternative targets who fit their profile for a young centre-back with potential for growth: Giovanni Leoni (18) from Parma and Konstantinos Koulierakis (21) from Wolfsburg. Both players have been watched by the club. Leoni, standing 6'4", broke through in Serie A last season and can also play right-back. Koulierakis is an established Greek international, played 38 games for Wolfsburg last season, and has occasionally featured at left-back. Their versatility appeals to manager Arne Slot.

Liverpool's pursuit of this specific profile stems from uncertainty in their current defensive options. Ibrahima Konaté is entering the final year of his contract, Joe Gomez (28) has an injury history, and Virgil van Dijk is nearing the latter stages of his career. Guehi, who turns 25 soon, represents a more experienced, "plug-and-go" option entering his prime with over 230 senior appearances.