Liverpool Have THREE Marc Guehi Alternatives as Man City Set to Complete Transfer
Liverpool have three ideal alternatives to top transfer target Marc Guehi as Manchester City close in on signing the England star.
Right at the end of what was already a blockbuster summer transfer window for Arne Slot's Liverpool links emerged with Crystal Palace captain Guehi.
Reports on transfer deadline day claimed that the centre-back had completed a medical ahead of the proposed move but the deal fell through in the final hours.
Since then, it was widely believed that Liverpool would once again try to sign Guehi either in the ongoing January transfer window or when his current Palace contract expires in the summer.
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However, with it now almost certain that Guehi will instead join rivals Manchester City, Liverpool may have to consider one of three alternative options.
Shortly after news broke that Palace manager Oliver Glasner would leave the club at the end of the season, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that the London club had accepted a £20million bid for Guehi.
The report adds that the England international has accepted the move and agreed personal terms, meaning Liverpool will now have to look elsewhere if they hope to sign a new centre-back in the near future.
Nico Schlotterbeck - Borussia Dortmund
With Ibrahima Konate's contract set to expire in the summer, Liverpool may have to consider signing a centre-back that's ready to go straight into the starting lineup.
If that's the case, then Dortmund's Schlotterbeck could be the perfect match, with the 26-year-old able to match Konate's physical presence in the team.
At 1.91m (6ft 2inches) tall, Schlotterbeck can get involved both in defence and attack, scoring eight goals for Borussia Dortmund.
Additionally, the German international's left-footed, progressive style would be a perfect fit for the left side of Liverpool's backline.
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The centre-back’s current contract with Dortmund is set to expire in 2027 and, despite being offered fresh terms, it appears he is unlikely to extend his stay with the Bundesliga side.
Therefore, a suitable transfer offer could be enough to tempt the German club to sell Schlotterbeck rather than risk losing him on a free in the summer of 2027.
Alessandro Bastoni - Inter Milan
Another top option that could instantly slot into the Liverpool lineup is Inter Milan centre back Bastoni.
The 26-year-old has been described by Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini as "one of the best defenders" in the game and it's clear to see why.
Bastoni has won the Serie A twice alongside multiple Coppa Italia and Supercoppa titles with Inter, plus Euro 2020 with Italy.
The Italian has been linked with Liverpool on several occasions, with a report in November from Football Insider claiming that Liverpool are ready to make an offer for the Italian, but would need to pay at least £80m to get a deal over the line.
It adds that the Reds could make a move in January, but are more likely to wait until the summer when Konate's future is more clear.
Marcos Senesi - AFC Bournemouth
After missing out on his ideal target in Guehi, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes could turn to former club Bournemouth to address the need for a new centre-back.
Should Hughes decide to look back at Bournemouth, then Sensei is undoubtedly the standout option given his performances this season and ongoing contract situation.
The 28-year-old's current deal runs until June this year but is reportedly eager to take the next step in his career and therefore has declined any extension proposals.
With over 100 Premier League appearances, Senesi would be able to use his experience in England to quickly fit in to the left-side of Liverpool's defence.
Even if Liverpool decide to spend big on the signing of someone like Schlotterbeck or Bastoni, bringing Senesi in on a free transfer could be smart business as an ideal back-up option at centre-back.
But Liverpool aren't the only club that could make a move for the Argentine international, with both Napoli and Chelsea reportedly keen on signing him this summer.
Topics: Marc Guehi, Transfer News, Football, Premier League, Alessandro Bastoni, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Transfers
Ben McCrum