Liverpool handed Marc Guehi boost but transfer will only happen on one condition

Liverpool's hopes of landing Marc Guehi this summer have been boosted by rivals Newcastle turning their attentions elsewhere. However, a successful move for the England star would require a chance of approach from the Reds.

Arne Slot's side have already seen two bids for Guehi knocked back by Crystal Palace. They have no plans to make a third, improved offer at this stage, and Palace don't look like budging on their valuation.

Liverpool's decision to take a step back might have opened the door for Newcastle, who have themselves failed to land Guehi in the past. Now, though, it appears Malick Thiaw has jumped to the top of the queue for Eddie Howe's side.

According to Sky Sport in Germany, Newcastle have made a written offer for Milan defender Thiaw. If accepted, it would see the Premier League side pay around £26million for the German international.

Palace have demanded significantly more for Guehi, despite their captain only having a year left on his contract. Unless Liverpool decide to renew their interest and fork out close to £50m, the Eagles skipper may well stay at Selhurst Park for the upcoming campaign.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Sesko agrees Man Utd deal, Grealish's next club, Nunez's Liverpool exit, Isak latest

READ MORE: Arne Slot's exciting decision will save Liverpool millions after £15m transfer

Liverpool are limited in their centre-back options after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. The pressure may be eased a little if Ibrahima Konate extends his contract - currently due to expire in 2026 - but the Reds are still looking light.

Captain Virgil van Dijk turned 34 in July, while Joe Gomez has played 30 league games in just one of the last five seasons. Wataru Endo has been given minutes at centre-back in pre-season, while there's the option of moving Andy Robertson inside after Milos Kerkez's arrival, but a new senior centre-back could yet arrive at Anfield.

Ecuador international Joel Ordonez has been linked after impressing for Club Brugge, while Konstantinos Koulierakis and Giovanni Leoni have also been mentioned as potential options. Wolfsburg and Greece star Koulierakis is the oldest of the three at 21 years of age, though, raising questions over whether another older option might be needed.

Liverpool have already spent more than £200m in other areas, including the additions of Kerkez and fellow full-back Jeremie Frimpong. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have arrived to bolster Slot's options in attack, with Mohamed Salah expected to miss some action during the Africa Cup of Nations, while Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among those to leave.

Slot's team will take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday. Their league campaign begins just five days, with Bournemouth travelling to Anfield for the opening fixture.

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.