Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing a “crucial” Premier League player this summer, with two of their rivals also in the mix to snap him up.
The Reds are in need of another centre-back before the transfer window closes, even though exciting teenager Giovanni Leoni has arrived from Parma.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been a leading option throughout the summer, but the 25-year-old remains at Selhurst Park for now, impressing in his side’s 0-0 draw away to Chelsea on Sunday.
Now, another Premier League skipper has been linked with a move to Liverpool as an alternative option, with The Daily Mail reporting that the Premier League champions eyeing Brentford ace Nathan Collins.
Manchester United and Tottenham are also “targeting” the Irishman alongside the Reds, with interest in him “surging”, despite only recently being given the Brentford captaincy.
Is Collins a better option than Guehi?
Collins has now proven himself as an extremely reliable Premier League player, making 116 appearances in the competition to date, as well as winning 30 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
The 24-year-old isn’t necessarily the most glamorous of centre-backs, which can work against him, but Thomas Frank knew how vital he was for him during their time together at Brentford, saying:
“Now he has more consistency and his composure on the ball is good. He can find passes in the pockets, the diagonals and the balls in behind. He is very good. This year, he has made some crucial blocks, defending the goal and the box very well. He has just got more consistency in the way he plays. Another important thing is the concentration. I think his concentration levels have gone up and the best players in the world have got the ability to concentrate for 90 minutes.”
That said, Guehi is still arguably the dream option for Liverpool this summer, having become a key man for both Palace and England.
The fact that the latter has only recently become captain of the Bees also potentially suggests that he wouldn’t suddenly leave, so it would be a surprise if the Reds suddenly turned their attention to him over Guehi.
