Liverpool are at the centre of significant transfer speculation as manager Arne Slot looks to navigate a mounting injury crisis and solidify his squad for the future. The Reds, despite an 11-match unbeaten run that has thrust them into top-four contention, are actively exploring defensive reinforcements.
Marc Guehi's Clear Preference Emerges
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi reportedly prefers to delay a potential move away from Selhurst Park until the summer. This development could play into Liverpool's hands as they monitor the 25-year-old England international.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Palace are demanding a fee between £35 million and £40 million for Guehi this January. This window represents their last chance to command a transfer fee for the defender, whose contract expires in the summer. A proposed move to Anfield collapsed last summer after Palace pulled out.
Despite interest from Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal, it is claimed that Guehi favours seeing out the season in London. Liverpool's need for a centre-back is acute, with Ibrahima Konate expected to depart at season's end and captain Virgil van Dijk entering the final year of his contract in June.
Micky van de Ven's Anfield 'Dream'
In a surprising twist, Tottenham Hotspur's standout defender Micky van de Ven is said to be 'dreaming' of a move to Liverpool. The Dutch centre-back, 24, has established himself as one of the Premier League's finest since his move to North London.
Reports suggest the player could be unsettled at Spurs, who languish in the bottom half of the table under pressure-laden manager Thomas Frank. Liverpool had shown tentative interest in Van de Ven before his Spurs switch, and his current situation has put elite clubs on alert.
His potential availability aligns perfectly with Liverpool's planned defensive overhaul, adding a new layer to their recruitment strategy for the coming windows.
Tsimikas' Future in Doubt as Roma Eye Replacement
Elsewhere, the future of on-loan defender Kostas Tsimikas is under scrutiny. The Greek left-back, who joined AS Roma last summer, has managed only 10 appearances for the Serie A side.
Italian reports, including from Checco Casano of Rete Sport, indicate that Roma are now actively seeking a new left-back. This search raises the possibility of Tsimikas returning to Merseyside prematurely. The club's difficulty lies in finding a suitable replacement, with names like Jaouen Hadjam being considered.
Liverpool's immediate focus remains on the pitch, with a crucial Premier League clash against Burnley this Saturday. They then face a demanding schedule with trips to Marseille and Bournemouth, before a run of home games against Qarabag, Newcastle United, and Manchester City. However, the work behind the scenes to build a competitive squad for next season and beyond is demonstrably accelerating.
