Crystal Palace identify Marc Guehi replacement as defender who 'rejected' rivals - but a club-record fee is required

Crystal Palace have reportedly lined up a replacement for Marc Guehi as the defender inches closer to a move away from the club. Guehi is being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool after speculation aplenty coming into this summer.

Guehi was the subject of interest and bids from Tottenham and Newcastle United last summer, but Palace kept hold of him, and that was a decision that paid off. A first-ever FA Cup and Community Shield followed, but with Guehi now in the final year of his contract, it looks as though a sale is inevitable, with the Eagles needing to avoid losing the defender for nothing next summer.

Even Palace chief Steve Parish has previously admitted: “We'd have to do that, of course. For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it's a problem for us unfortunately. Joachim [Andersen] went [to Fulham last summer] and we couldn't afford to lose both. We then had another bid [for Guehi] in January but that was a different situation. We'll just have to see what happens. But, you know, it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind."

Liverpool are said to have entered talks with Guehi within the last week, and a move does now look likely. Though, in the meantime, Oliver Glasner has said: “It is nothing personal with all of you [journalists] but advice to the kids, don't always believe what you read, especially on the internet, and here is the same.

"Who knows this is the truth what is written, there are rumours and so many rumours and everyone tells something for their own advantage maybe. I watch the players every single day, in the training sessions, we meet them and again if most of the things that are written about them is true, they could not perform like this, the team could not be together like this, to be committed to each other like they are -- it is just not possible.

There was a video that appeared to show Guehi snubbing Glasner after the Chelsea game, but BBC Sport have reported that the incident was circumstancial and that the pair are still on good terms regardless of ongoing talks.

Palace identify replacement

With Guehi looking likely to depart at some stage, Palace are said to have identified a replacement in Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. The Independent have reported that the 20-year-old is now a genuine option despite the fact he is said to have rejected a Premier League move earlier in the summer, with Arsenal reportedly sent packing after an approach.

Jacquet is under contract until 2029, and he appears to be prioritising regular football over all else at this early stage of his development. The report claims Rennes are asking for £35million to sell Jacquet, and that would be a price Palace can surely afford as they prepare for life in Europe. They would also be signing a player with plenty of potential, which does fit their model, even if the price is one they seldom stretch to. In fact, their current transfer record is the £27.5million they spent on Christian Benteke.

As for Guehi, Palace are said to be asking for £45million, while Liverpool are said to want a deal for around £35million.

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