Reliable journalist Paul Joyce has dropped a hugely promising update regarding Liverpool’s potential upcoming business in the summer transfer window.
The past week or so has been relatively quiet in the market for the Reds, with nothing of major note happening since their opening bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak was rejected.
The Swede is still pushing hard to leave St James’ Park this summer, but until the Magpies have brought in at least one top-quality replacement option for him, they are unlikely to sanction a move.
So much focus has been on Liverpool’s attack, namely their pursuit of Isak, but it is also important that the centre-back situation is addressed.
It looks as though things could move quickly in that respect, with The Times‘ Joyce reporting that the Reds are “advancing in talks” over the signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
He adds that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has “accelerated the latest part of the club’s recruitment drive” by getting in touch with Palace chairman Steve Parish, in order to “open formal discussions” over signing the England international.
Not only that, but Joyce also claims that the Premier League champions are “pursuing an interest” in Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni. Their move for Guehi “does not affect” their efforts to sign the highly-rated 18-year-old, as they look to bring in two new defenders.
Dream double defensive signing for Liverpool
This is a massive update, with Guehi and Leoni representing a perfect double defensive signing for Liverpool this summer, adding much-needed depth to the back-line.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are among Europe’s leading centre-back pairings, but an injury to either would have the potential to derail the Reds’ season, with the injury-prone Joe Gomez the only current backup option.
Guehi would come straight in as a brilliant option, however, being more than good enough to start regularly and putting healthy pressure on Konate for minutes.
Meanwhile, Leoni is considered one of the best young central defenders in Europe, and he could come in as a good squad player before potentially maturing into an elite footballer. A loan move away is a possibility, but keeping hold of him would be preferable.
What a summer this is proving to be for Liverpool in terms of incoming signings, and if they can sign Guehi, Leoni and Isak, it will surely be the best window in the club’s history.
