Liverpool are intensifying their efforts to sign Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, according to BBC Sport.
Palace captain Guehi has one year remaining on his contract.
Earlier this week, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish indicated the club may sell him this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
Liverpool have held initial talks regarding a potential deal for the 25-year-old before the summer transfer window closes.
In addition to Guehi, Liverpool are also pursuing Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni. The 18-year-old Italian is considered a long-term prospect rather than a direct competitor for Guehi’s position.
Last year, Guehi attracted bids of up to £65million from Newcastle United. Crystal Palace are reportedly asking for around £40million now, but Liverpool are aiming to pay less.
This summer, Liverpool have already spent approximately £270 million but have recouped about £170million through player sales.
The Reds also had a £110million bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak rejected.
Signing both Guehi and Isak would push Liverpool’s summer spending over the £400million mark.
Steve Parish reaffirmed the club’s intention to sell Guehi this summer, following the rejection of several offers from Newcastle – the last being £65 million in January – as they hoped the defender would sign a new contract.
“We’d have to do that, of course,” said Parish.
“For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it’s a problem for us unfortunately.
“Joachim [Andersen] went [to Fulham last summer] and we couldn’t afford to lose both.
“We then had another bid [for Guehi] in January but that was a different situation.
“We’ll just have to see what happens. But, you know, it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind.”
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