Marc Guehi has made feelings on Liverpool clear as Jurgen Klopp plots bid for Crystal Palace star

Marc Guehi has made his feelings on Liverpool clear with the Reds linked with a move for the Crystal Palace star.

Guehi has excelled since securing an £18million switch to south London from Chelsea two and a half seasons ago.

The centre-back has formed a stubborn defensive partnership alongside Joachim Andersen, with his performances having earned him England recognition and interest from some of the Premier League’s richest clubs.

According to the Mirror, Guehi, as a proven Premier League performer and nine-cap England star, is among the players Liverpool have identified as a Joel Matip replacement.

However, a deal would have to wait until the summer, with Palace reportedly unwilling to part ways with the 23-year-old with their Premier League status under threat.

While Guehi is an understated personality, he has spoken highly of Liverpool in the past.

Speaking to Palace TV ahead of a Liverpool encounter, the centre-back told Palace TV: "I don't think there's any good time to play Liverpool, really.

"Everyone knows how strong they are as a team, they've got some fantastic players, obviously off the back of a good season they had as well so it's going to be a tough game.

"We expect that and hopefully we can go and put in a good performance."

Liverpool were looking at bringing in a successor to Joel Matip even before he suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of December.

The 33-year-old is out of contract in the summer.

Before they finalise any summer business plans, however, Liverpool need to appoint a new manager, backroom staff and a sporting director.

Jurgen Klopp announced on Friday he is to step down from his role as manager at the end of the season, saying he is "running out of energy".

His assistant managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will also leave the club in the summer.

Furthermore, sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will depart at the end of the January transfer window, having been appointed in June.