3 weeks ago
25
Liverpool have agreed a £35million deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
Guehi, who fittingly scored on his final appearance for Palace against Aston Villa last night, is currently undergoing his medical after the champions' bid was accepted.
The 25-year-old is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Anfield.
The two clubs remained in negotiations after an official opening bid was turned down at the weekend, and Palace had been holding out for closer to £40m with add-ons.
But sources had told Daily Mail Sport that a deal was close and there had been an expectation in all parties that Guehi would make the move to Merseyside.
The England international, who has 23 caps, was keen to join Liverpool.
He played the full 90 minutes in Palace's 3-0 win over Villa and even found the back of the net after his curling effort sailed into the far corner. However, Palace boss Oliver Glasner then insisted the club couldn't sell Guehi so close to the deadline.
'He's so professional and it was clear he would play today,' Glasner told reporters. 'I can say it with clarity, and I said it to the chairman that it's nothing to do with Oliver Glasner but we need to keep Marc to play a successful season.
'We had a meeting in March where we talked about the situation we have an agreement that we could sell Marc if we have the right replacement in. We wanted to have this replacement at the beginning of the pre-season to be independent.
'That was on July 9 (the season started), it's August 31 and there is no replacement in the building so it's clear one part of the agreement is not fulfilled.
'That means we can't sell Marc. It's not a wish or gift for Oliver Glasner, it's necessary for playing a successful season. We had a great start and I think our fans deserve to have the best players available. I know if we don't sell Marc, he will accept it.
'He loves the club and team, he feels the appreciation and we feel the same from his side. That's why I have to say we need to keep him.'
More to follow.
