Marc Guehi breaks silence on Liverpool transfer saga as Crystal Palace request rejected

Marc Guehi has tried to shut out mounting speculation linking him with a switch to Liverpool following what could prove to be a dream final outing for Crystal Palace. The centre-back has been persistently linked with a potential move to Anfield and the Reds may launch a last-ditch attempt to secure his services during the closing hours of the transfer window.

Palace appear willing to part ways with the defender, given Guehi has merely 12 months left on his Selhurst Park deal - though they are reportedly demanding £40million. Despite the summer rumours swirling around him, he still led Crystal Palace as captain in their commanding 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa on Sunday. He also netted a spectacular strike to help seal victory for Oliver Glasner's men.

When questioned about his mindset amid the transfer chaos, the England international responded: "I'm okay. I guess so. I don't like the limelight. I'm glad I have a good club and good teammates around me. When you focus on what is important, the football, it makes it a bit easier."

Discussing his goal and the jubilant celebrations, he explained: "It's a blur! I can't remember much. When you score goals like that, it's down the team performance. The credit should go to the team.

"I was tired! So much running. It's important we stay humble, we'll see what the future holds.

"[The club means] a lot. I'm a south London boy, grew up in south London and captained the club from a young age. They have been fantastic to me and my family. A pleasure to play for this club."

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Despite his standout performance in the Midlands, Guehi seemed reluctant to take centre stage at the final whistle. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson attempted to push him to the front of the celebrating players.

However, Guehi declined, choosing instead to bask in the applause alongside his team-mates.

Ahead of the match, Glasner said: "Everybody can see how important Marc is, so honestly, I don't know, but I really deeply hope that Marc will play for us at Villa Park. I deeply hope that Marc will play until the end of the season for us.

"Of course he has a contract here at Crystal Palace. He plays well, he trains here. And it's clear that he plays. The situation is clear. Everybody knows about it. Marc is a great guy and that's why he plays."

Jean-Philippe Mateta, Guehi's team-mate at Palace, didn't hold back his admiration for the player. He stated: "Every game he brings something new. He is a fantastic player. I hope he stays with us."

Despite Palace's desire to retain Guehi, Liverpool's need for him may have increased following an injury to defender Ibrahima Konate during Sunday's victory over title contenders Arsenal.

When questioned if this could prompt Liverpool to seek a new defender, Slot responded: "It's not a way of asking it. I could only not take one player into the game so I had to leave one out and that was a centre back.

"I think we were quite well in terms of centre-backs. I think it was only cramp so I don't think it was an injury. We have to find out in the upcoming games."