According to reports, Liverpool will use Ben Doak as leverage when negotiating Marc Guehi with Crystal Palace. Although the Reds are keen to sign the center-back this summer, negotiations are being hampered by his high price tag.
Arne Slot’s side has already made significant moves in the transfer market, bringing in Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, along with Milos Kerkez from Premier League rivals Bournemouth.
With Jarrell Quansah heading to Leverkusen and uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future at Liverpool, the club has shifted its focus to signing Palace skipper Guehi.
According to The Sun, the Eagles are asking for £50million to part with their captain, despite his contract expiring at Selhurst Park next summer. Liverpool is therefore considering offering the England international a player-plus-cash deal.
Doak, who played on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship last season, has drawn considerable interest from Palace. He might be a useful negotiating chip for Liverpool in the current talks. The Reds are willing to include the £25 million forward in the deal, but it might take a lot of negotiating to come to an agreement.
With 24 games for Boro, Doak scored three goals and provided seven assists during his fruitful loan term. His performances have attracted attention from multiple clubs, with Palace not being the only ones interested in signing him.
Everton has also been linked with Doak, suggesting a possible Merseyside switch. David Moyes’ side is keen to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes, gearing up for their first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
As a result, Palace may need to act swiftly if they want to snap up Doak, which could mean lowering their asking price for Guehi. With the defender set on running down his contract with Oliver Glasner’s side, this summer represents one of the last chances for the Eagles to secure a substantial fee for his services, as his valuation is likely to decrease further in January.
Newcastle and Manchester United are likewise interested in Guehi, and Palace will be hoping for a bidding war to drive up the price for the Chelsea academy graduate.
