Marc Guehi's awkward moment with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner was one of the key talking points of the first weekend of Premier League football.
The Palace skipper, heavily linked with champions Liverpool, appeared to ignore his manager following the 0-0 draw with Stamford Bridge after he asked him to go to the away end to see the supporters.
Many were confused as to why Guehi had apparently snubbed Glasner and walked down the tunnel, seemingly unhappy with something.
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But while the situation ramped up speculation that Guehi could still move to Liverpool before window is done, reporter Bobby Manzi of the News Shopper clarified what happened on Monday evening.
According to a report, the former Chelsea academy player was subjected to a routine doping test after the game and so was walking back to the dressing room.
These tests are completely random, with players occasionally asked to provide a blood or urine sample following a fixture.
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Manzi stressed that Guehi had already applauded the travelling Palace fans before heading down the tunnel and there is no suggestion that his relationship with Glasner has soured.
Both Guehi and Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze have been linked with leaving the FA Cup winners - the latter being tracked by Spurs.
However, Glasner has refused to criticise the pair's commitment, stating that they are "100 per cent with this group in Crystal Palace and they have proved that in a big way".
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Guehi's contract at Selhurst Park is up in 2026 but he has not pushed for a transfer and has remained focused on Palace.
Liverpool have held talks about signing the England international but even with their issues in central defence, have been put off by the price tag quoted by Palace.
They have brought in 18-year-old Parma defender Giovanni Leoni for £26.9 million and it appears as though any deal for Guehi will happen next season when he is a free agent.
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Speaking on Sunday, David Ornstein of The Athletic explained Guehi's situation and said: "Marc Guehi is a player who may leave Crystal Palace as well [as Eberechi Eze].
"They’re looking for alternatives if that happens.
"Liverpool have held initial talks, but he may stay and see out the final 12 months of his contract and leave as a free agent in 2026. He’s playing today [Sunday]."
Topics: Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Chelsea
Josh Lawless