Liverpool make final decision on Marc Guehi after failed deadline day move

Liverpool have reportedly ruled out a January move for Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guehi, after their summer swoop collapsed on transfer deadline day.

The 25-year-old defender was heavily linked with a switch to Anfield following his standout campaign, where he led Palace to their first-ever FA Cup triumph, beating Manchester City in the final.

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, is said to be a huge admirer of the England international and talks between both clubs had progressed positively in August. Palace chairman, Steve Parish, had earlier admitted the club risked losing Guehi on a free when his contract runs out.

On deadline day, Guehi even underwent a medical ahead of a proposed five-year deal, only for Palace boss, Oliver Glasner, to pull the plug after failing to secure a replacement in time.

According to The Times, Liverpool remain interested in Guehi but will not revive the deal in January. Instead, they are prepared to wait until next summer to make another attempt.

The Reds, however, did manage to bolster their defence before the window shut, landing 18-year-old Italian centre-back, Giovanni Leoni, from Parma in a £26m deal.

Leoni, who broke into Serie A last season, reportedly rejected interest from Inter Milan and Newcastle United to join Liverpool. Standing at 6ft 5in, he is seen as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires when he turns 36.