Liverpool do not have an advantage over other suitors in their pursuit of Crystal Palace defensive mainstay Marc Guehi.

After failing to secure his services in the summer, Liverpool are all set to return for the signature of Marc Guehi in the winter transfer window. The English international could end up joining them this time around, but according to Graeme Bailey via TBR Football, the Merseyside club do not have an advantage over Real Madrid, Manchester United and Barcelona.

Guehi was on the verge of joining Arne Slot’s team on transfer deadline day. The Reds had reached an agreement with Crystal Palace, and the 25-year-old had undergone a medical at Anfield. However, the move did not go through as the Eagles pulled the plug in the eleventh hour after failing to secure an ideal replacement.

While Marc Guehi continues to wear the armband at Selhurst Park, his departure is almost certain, with his contract running out at the end of the season. He is unlikely to pen a new deal, and multiple clubs are keen on signing the English defender, who will be available for free next summer.

Liverpool won’t find it easy to sign Marc Guehi

While speaking about Guehi’s future, Bailey said, “The slate has been wiped clean with Guehi. This is a new transfer. What has been done, said, or bid before is now forgotten.

“That is what I am being told. Every club wanting Guehi has started from the same place. It perhaps points to Liverpool not having an advantage as some would previously believe, but again, that doesn’t mean he won’t end up at Anfield.

“Guehi is emerging as possibly one of the most in-demand Bosman free transfers of all time, there is not a major club in Europe that is not keen.”

Liverpool put in a lot of effort during the summer window to sign the 25-year-old, and they were within touching distance of his signature. However, things did not go according to plan for them.

While they are set to return for Marc Guehi’s signature in the winter, the Merseyside club won’t have any advantage over other suitors. They are currently working on renewing Ibrahima Konate’s contract as he has entered the final years of his deal. Securing his future is a priority, but signing Guehi is also right up there.

European giants to rival Liverpool

However, they are set to face tough competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United. Los Blancos are looking at the free agent market to bolster their backline, and Guehi is a player they do admire.

Barcelona see Marc Guehi as a cost-effective option to reinforce their defence, which hasn’t been the same since Inigo Martinez’s departure. Meanwhile, Manchester United continue to monitor him and could make an approach in the new year.

With all four clubs starting from the same position, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool can once again beat the competition to his signature.