Barca steps into Guehi transfer battle as Liverpool makes little progress

Barça is closely monitoring Marc Guéhi. According to Adrià Albets on Què t'hi Jugues!, the Catalan club is keeping tabs on the Crystal Palace centre-back, whose contract expires at the end of the season and who has also attracted interest from other big clubs such as Liverpool.

Since Iñigo Martínez's departure to Saudi Arabia last summer, Flick's team has been on the lookout for a reliable centre-back to partner Pau Cubarsí in the starting line-up. Andreas Christensen has been unable to find consistency due to injuries, and Ronald Araújo raises more questions than he answers. Meanwhile, Eric García is the one who usually partners the other youth product, but Barça's defence is looking more fragile than last season.

That is why the Barça board is thinking of strengthening this position. The England international, a long-time starter, fits the bill. In fact, he is one of the most sought-after defenders at the moment. "I think he's a great centre-back. He plays on the left, even though he's not left-footed, but he's good with his left foot. I think he would be a great signing, but I think Liverpool have it pretty much wrapped up," explains Bruno Alemany in El bar de Sique Rodríguez.

Guéhi's name has also been mentioned in the corridors of Real Madrid, according to Eloy Lecina, who are also looking for a reliable centre-back. The Whites are keeping an eye on the future of Konaté and Upamecano, but between the two of them, at some point, the name of the Palace player has come up. "He is one of those centre-backs who are on the shortlist of the big clubs to strengthen the position without paying a transfer fee," he adds.

Crystal Palace is enjoying one of its best moments as a club, having won the FA Cup by defeating Guardiola's Manchester City and then beating Liverpool in the Community Shield. A key player is Marc Guéhi, who leads the Eagles' defence thanks to his command of the area. "He doesn't rush and has very good anticipation both in the air and on the ground," explains Bojan Krkic, father of the current football coordinator at La Masía, who also watches him closely. He knows how to play with the ball and make good choices, something that is rare among centre-backs playing in England.