How Crystal Palace anticipate the Marc Guehi situation unfolding amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.

Crystal Palace insiders reportedly believe that if Marc Guehi makes a move this January, Liverpool are the most likely destination, even though several major clubs have been linked with him. The defender came close to joining the Reds in the summer, according to BBC Sport, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, his future is still attracting plenty of attention.

Guehi is expected to draw interest from top sides as a potential free agent, with the Daily Mail also naming Manchester United as contenders. However, Sky Sports claim Palace feel that only Liverpool would push for a January deal, as other clubs may prefer to wait until the summer to land him without a fee.

Given how close he came to joining Liverpool previously, it would be no surprise if Guehi still favours a switch to Anfield, especially with the Reds facing uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation. If Konate refuses to extend his deal, Liverpool could be keen to secure Guehi as soon as possible.

Manchester United would also stand to benefit from signing a defender of his calibre, potentially as a long-term successor to Harry Maguire.

Liverpool’s recent defensive struggles — already conceding 17 goals in their first 11 league matches — only underline how costly it may have been to miss out on Guehi last summer. Several mid-table sides have a better defensive record, and compared to title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, the gap is even more stark.