Liverpool Handed Marc Guehi Blow as Exit Confirmed With Three Clubs 'Front-Runners'

Three Champions League clubs have reportedly emerged as favourites to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi in the January transfer window.

Guehi, 25, was previously the subject of interest from Liverpool in the summer transfer window.

A deal was reportedly agreed to sell Guehi to the Premier League champions for a fee of £35 million plus a 10 per cent sell-on clause, but the proposed transfer later fell through on deadline day.

Guehi, who is the captain of Crystal Palace, had even started his medical before the deal was called off.

Despite the interest surrounding his future, the Englishman has cut a respectful figure and remained professional, unlike several other players who have previously committed disciplinary breaches following failed moves.

It was fairly obvious that Guehi would remain a sought-after transfer target this term, which has proved to be the case.

Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace (Credit:Getty)

On Friday, Eagles head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed that the player would not extend his contract – currently due to expire in June 2026 – meaning he could leave for a fee in January or for free next summer.

"I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year," said Glasner.

"The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'No, I want to make something different.' And that's normal.

"And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."

As of January 1, Premier League players can sign a pre-contract agreement with non-English clubs when they have six months remaining until the expiration of their deal.

Marc Guehi has 26 England caps (Credit:Getty)

So, who could sign Guehi?

Well, while Liverpool’s interest is no secret, a report by The I Paper says the Merseyside club are no longer the favourites to sign the Palace defender, as the south London side will look to cash in on him in January rather than allowing his contract to expire.

The outlet claims they have been told that La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have ‘tempted’ Guehi to consider moving abroad, while Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich could also swoop in.

Guehi and Crystal Palace return to Premier League action against Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on Saturday.