Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has revealed that centre-back and captain Marc Guehi does not want to sign a new contract at the club.
Guehi was heavily linked with a summer switch to Liverpool and while both the Reds and the Eagles agreed a fee for the England international, the deadline day deal fell through.
Palace failed to bring in a suitable replacement for Guehi after Igor Julio opted against a Selhurst Park switch, which saw the south London side pull the plug on the transfer.
The deal left Liverpool in a spot of bother as they sought to strengthen in defence over the summer.
The defending Premier League champions were active in the transfer window, splashing the cash to sign Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, while Virgal van Dijk and Mohamed Salah both signed new deals at Anfield.
Liverpool did bring in one defender as they secured the services of Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
However, the Italian teenager impressed on his debut as the Merseyside outfit beat Southampton in the EFL Cup, but was forced off late on due to injury.
And it was confirmed following the 2-1 home triumph that Leoni had suffered an ACL injury and is unlikely to play again this season.
Liverpool remain in the market for another centre-back and have been linked with Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, while a January move for Guehi remains a possibility.
'He will leave next year'
The 25-year-old was said to have been incredibly frustrated that his protracted switch to Anfield collapsed at the 11th hour and ahead of Saturday’s welcome of Bournemouth, Glasner confirmed that Guehi has signalled his intention to leave.
“I think Marc has already told us that he doesn’t sign a new contract, so he will leave next year,” the Austrian said.
“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.”
La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are also reportedly keen on signing Guehi, who can sign a pre-contract with an overseas side at the turn of the year.
Palace and Glasner in talks over new deal
In better news, Glasner has confirmed that he is in talks with Palace over a new contract, though it is dependant on whether the club can build upon last season’s FA Cup triumph.
“We are talking, but we have 19 games to play before the new year,” Glasner, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, added.
“I am here to do the best for Crystal Palace and win as many games as possible. With all the things around the games, there are not many evenings or days when we can talk about my contract with my focus on it.
“There is so much going on, the players and club deserve 100% Oliver Glasner. I don’t want to be distracted.
“We are looking for the right moments to talk. The club are not in a rush. I met Steve four or five times this week. He appreciates that I am always giving 100% and I appreciate our open and honest communication.”
