Danny Murphy has urged Liverpool to ‘just pay what they need to pay’ to sign Marc Guehi in January amid fears they could miss out on the England defender.
The former Liverpool midfielder’s comments come amid reports Crystal Palace have identified a suitable replacement for their highly-rated captain.
Guehi had agreed to move to Anfield on deadline day and was part way through his medical when the Eagles pulled the plug on the £35million transfer.
The decision appears to have cost the Reds dear as they have looked very shaky at the back, keeping just two clean sheets in their opening 11 games of the season and conceding 15 goals, with Ibrahima Konate looking woefully out of form.
To make matters worse, Konate has picked up an injury during the international break, while Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out for a year with a ACL issue, leaving Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez as the only fit centre-backs at the club.
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As a result, there is speculation that Arne Slot could make another move for Guehi in the January transfer window, rather than wait for next summer when his contract expires.
But Liverpool now face strong competition for the 25-year-old from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, who, as foreign clubs, will be able to negotiate a free transfer with the player as early as January 1.
Alternative options have been linked with Anfield, including Guehi’s centre-back partner Maxence Lacroix and Newcastle United’s Sven Botman, but Murphy believes it should be Guehi or bust.
The former Reds star told Aceodds.com: ‘We’ve got 11 weeks or so until the window opens. Do they make a move in January and find a short term fix or just pay what they need to pay for Guehi?
‘I would get Guehi in January. Maybe Palace won’t let it happen but he’s perfect in so many ways.
‘He knows the Premier League, won’t need time to settle. He’s calm, he’s quick and he’s a good footballer. He’s everything you want in a centre back.
‘Lacroix and Botman aren’t as good as Guehi. So you’re filling a hole with something of less quality when you can get the real deal. I wouldn’t go down that line. They’re good players but they don’t possess his rounded game.
‘I would go all out on Guehi. They’ve got a relationship with Guehi and his camp. For such an important position you need the best or the one you want.’
Palace cancelled Guehi’s sale at the eleventh hour after failing to sign a replacement in time but they may now have found their man, which could in turn help Liverpool sign Guehi in January.
The Sun report that Oliver Glasner’s side are interested in Yann Bisseck who is determined to leave Inter Milan as soon as possible.
Bisseck has made just two appearances for the Italian giants this season and is concerned he will miss out on a place in Germany’s World Cup squad unless he is playing regular football.
It is said the 24-year-old is open to the idea of moving to Selhurst Park and could cost around £22m.
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