AC Milan are in talks with Liverpool over a move for Joe Gomez, but the Reds will only let the defender go if they sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
With just one year left on his contract at Selhurst Park, the Eagles are expected to sell Guehi before the transfer window closes, cashing in on him while they can.
The centre-back has been linked with a number of Premier League sides over the last year, but Liverpool are now at the front of the queue to sign him.
However, a deal is yet to be agreed after an offer of £35m, which included a 10 per cent sell-on clause, was rejected by Palace.
Negotiations continue, with the Eagles pushing for a deal worth £35m, plus another £5m in add-ons.
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Clearly the clubs are not far apart in their valuations and it would be a surprise if a deal is not agreed before Monday’s transfer deadline.
The Eagles will need to sign a replacement, though, and although they want to make money on Guehi while they can, they cannot let him go without bringing in at least one more centre-back.
Crystal Palace suggested including a loan switch for Gomez as part of the deal for Guehi, but Liverpool rejected the idea.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that AC Milan have now made a move for Gomez, looking to sign the England international on a permanent deal.
Talks are underway between the Italian giants and the Premier League champions, but Gomez will only be allowed to leave if Guehi comes in.
Joe Gomez Premier League stats
Apps: 150
Goals: 0
Assists: 5
The Reds have already signed one centre-back this summer, with Giovanni Leoni arriving from Parma.
The 18-year-old is a promising talent, but is unlikely to feature much in the Premier League in his first season with the club.
28-year-old Gomez has been at Anfield for 10 years, signing from Charlton in June 2015 in a deal worth £3.5m.
He has made 242 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, but is yet to score a goal for the club.
The 15-cap England international has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Liverpool.
He remains a feature in Arne Slot’s squad, but rarely in the starting XI, making just nine Premier League appearances last season.