Liverpool £65m transfer plan has already been given approval by Man City star

Liverpool are set to ramp up their chase for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, who has previously been lauded as a leader by his Three Lions team-mate Phil Foden. The Reds will soon be on the lookout for a new centre-back due to the probable exit of Jarell Quansah. In April, Liverpool's defence was strengthened when captain Virgil van Dijk pledged his future to Anfield with a fresh two-year contract.

However, it seems that their central defensive options will be diminished with the impending departure of lifelong fan Quansah. The 22-year-old is on the verge of sealing a £35million move to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. Aside from the club's skipper, only Ibrahima Konate and the versatile Joe Gomez would remain as senior options in the centre-half position should Quansah depart.

Attention could then turn to the transfer market, and Guehi has emerged as a potential target. The 24-year-old has previously been commended by international team-mate and Manchester City star Foden as a key figure in the Three Lions dressing room.

The Telegraph reports that with Quansah all but confirmed for a move to Germany, the Reds will make a move for Guehi, who has one year left on his current deal at Selhurst Park. While an anticipated fee is unknown, the Eagles turned down a £70m bid from Tottenham in January.

Foden hinted following Guehi's standout performances at Euro 2024 that the defender could become a pivotal figure in the Anfield dressing room. "He has been a leader," Foden said on England's official YouTube channel. "I know him well from obviously playing with him and he's not fazed by anything. I feel like he has come into the team and shown his qualities."

Foden isn't alone in his admiration for Guehi. Ex-Liverpool forward Michael Owen also extolled the defender's abilities after his Euro 2024 exploits.

"He's proven in this tournament that he's very good. Left-sided centre-halves are like gold dust these days, people want them," Owen remarked to Prime Casino. "He's proven he can play at a really high level, so I've no doubt he would be capable of playing for a club like Liverpool."

Since his move to Crystal Palace from Chelsea in 2021, Guehi has become a cornerstone of their squad, notably contributing to their historic FA Cup final triumph over Foden's City in May.

Amidst the whirlwind of transfer rumours leading up to the Wembley showdown, Guehi kept his feet on the ground when questioned about his future, though he didn't dismiss the possibility of a move.

"I think the most important thing is just always doing the best that I can for this football club," he declared. "I come in every day and I try to be the same. I try to work hard. And you know, this football club has given me a lot.

"I'm still under contract at this football club, so my focus is always at this football club. So, you know, for me, the most important is just doing the best I can and seeing where the future holds."