'Arne Slot tells Marc Guehi where he'll fit into Liverpool starting XI

‘Arne Slot tells Marc Guehi where he’ll fit into Liverpool starting XI – agreement close’

Liverpool are closing in on an agreement to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi as one of their top targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Reds are willing to pay £50million for the 24-year-old.

Arne Slot will speak to Guehi about his role in the team and is expected to offer assurances that he will be one of their starting centre-backs next season.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 20 June that Guehi wants to join Liverpool ahead of the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham if he is to leave Palace.

A place in the starting XI is paramount in his thinking ahead of next summer’s World Cup, and there is a growing feeling he could replace Ibrahima Konate in the side.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider in February that Liverpool have concerns about Konate’s consistency and could look to replace him in the summer.

Marc Guehi is a top target for Liverpool. (Credit: Imago)

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Marc Guehi backed to join Liverpool after Arsenal claim

Brown told Football Insider that Guehi will turn down interest from Arsenal to join Liverpool as he would not be given assurances over his role at the Emirates.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Slot will see the FA Cup-winning captain as an upgrade on Konate.

“Marc Guehi is good enough to start for any team in the world,” he told Football Insider.

“He is as good as any defender available at the moment and it’s not surprise Liverpool want him.

“He’s faced every challenge that’s put in front of him in his career, including at international level, so I’d expect him to deal with the pressure of playing for Liverpool.

“Marc Guehi is as dependable as any defender you could think of and he would be a top signing.

“From what I hear, the manager will be prepared to offer him a role in his starting XI, because he’s an upgrade on Konate at the back.

“Slot is speaking to Guehi and his representatives and making it clear what his role will be.

“Liverpool have got a few concerns about Konate because he’s got a mistake in him.

“They got away with a few last year because of their position, but that won’t always be that way.

“Palace are asking for around £50million for Guehi and as one of their top targets, they won’t be put off by that price tag.

“If he’s the one they want, and it looks like it is, I expect them to get it done.”

Arne Slot has enjoyed a busy summer so far. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Joe Gomez update emerges amid Leeds and Sunderland interest

As Liverpool’s interest in Guehi continues to grow, speculation has emerged about the future of Joe Gomez and his role in Slot’s plans for the future.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 23 June that Gomez is happy at Liverpool despite interest from the likes of Leeds United and Sunderland.

It is believed the versatile 28-year-old still has a role to play under Slot on Merseyside as Jarell Quansah is now set to move to Bayer Leverkusen.

Football Insider revealed on 20 June that Quansah has agreed terms with the Leverkusen and is set to undergo a medical ahead of joining for a club-record £35million fee.

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