Liverpool have opened negotiations with Crystal Palace for England defender Marc Guehi, confident the player is keen on a move to Anfield.

Palace value the 24-year-old at around £40m, but with Guehi in the final year of his contract, Liverpool are unwilling to overpay.

The Reds will only discuss personal terms if a transfer fee is agreed, and are keen to maintain their long-standing good relationship with Palace chairman Steve Parish.

Parish has admitted he may be forced to sell if Guehi refuses a new deal, a stance the player is unlikely to change.

Palace rejected multiple bids from Newcastle last summer when they valued him at £70m, but risk losing him for free next year.

Several European giants are monitoring him with a view to a 2026 free transfer.

Newcastle are now out of the running after sealing Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, while Tottenham remain interested but are prioritising attacking reinforcements.

Liverpool are also tracking Parma’s 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who could be available for about £26m plus bonuses, though that pursuit is not expected to affect their interest in Guehi.

Liverpool are looking to add experience to their defence, with Ibrahima Konate entering the final year of his own contract.