Liverpool are set to prioritise a move for Marc Guehi next summer to replace Real Madrid-linked Ibrahima Konate, but faces competition.

According to Football Insider, Marc Guehi is Liverpool’s No.1 defensive target next summer, with the centre-back seen as the ideal replacement for Real Madrid-linked Ibrahima Konate. Crystal Palace are likely to lose their star defender, although in Liverpool’s case, they will face intense competition from top teams for the England international’s signature.

Liverpool had a good run at Marc Guehi, and without the whole collapse of the deal being their fault, they ultimately could not sign the player. Crystal Palace pulled the plug on a deal at the eleventh hour as they could not find a suitable replacement.

Despite reports about Liverpool going back in January, the Merseysiders are only expected to sign the England international on a free transfer next summer. By then, they will have another issue to deal with as 26-year-old Real Madrid target Ibrahima Konate is expected to depart on a Bosman deal.

Konate has reportedly told Liverpool his intention to move on when his contract expires next summer, with Real Madrid the primary suitor in his case. The Spanish giants were contemplating between him and William Saliba, although Arsenal are making progress in extending the Frenchman’s deal, which could see them prioritise a move for the Liverpool centre-back.

Liverpool wants to bring Guehi on priority as a replacement for the 26-year-old Real Madrid target, and will make their move in the summer. The only issue compared to the summer deadline day is that Guehi has a lot more suitors, including his former side, Chelsea, who are ready to make a move for him.

Will Liverpool sign Marc Guehi?

The consensus might lean towards Liverpool bringing in Guehi next summer on a free transfer, owing to the work they did on the defender recently. However, the likes of Manchester City are looking at him, and so are Chelsea, while Real Madrid are also keen to snap him up on a free transfer alongside Konate.

Should Real Madrid succeed in bringing in both Konate and Guehi, it will be a double blow for Liverpool. However, the Merseysiders are keeping close tabs on his situation, while there’s a possibility they are in regular contact with the defender’s camp, to ease through a Bosman deal ahead of next summer.