Liverpool braced for transfer heartbreak with Real Madrid in pole position for top target

Real Madrid are reportedly confident of securing the services of Marc Guehi, despite interest from Liverpool and the recent entry of Bayern Munich and Barcelona into the race for his signature. The current Premier League champions attempted but failed to sign the Crystal Palace captain during the summer transfer deadline day.

Guehi, 25, is set to become a free agent at the end of this season. Oliver Glasner, the manager of Palace, has already confirmed that his captain will depart the south London club next year. However, a mid-season move is not on the horizon, even though this winter represents the last chance for them to recoup a transfer fee. At the turn of the year, Guehi will be eligible to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs, giving an edge to Liverpool's European competitors.

According to The Sun, Madrid believe that he prefers a move to the Spanish capital, with the assumption that the defender wants to play alongside Jude Bellingham at both club and international level.

The club are said to be convinced they can persuade the central defender to choose them over other options.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing a central defender during the January transfer window and had plans to approach Guehi in the summer when he would be a free agent.

After missing out on Guehi, who remains a top target for the Reds, Slot saw Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Arne Slot deployed a back three featuring Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo during their Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat to Palace.

Both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk were missing from the matchday squad entirely.

Following the match, Slot lamented their shortage of options, claiming they possess just 15 available senior players, with academy youngsters making up the numbers.

Nevertheless, Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements this January.

Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed their market activity, though extending Dayot Upamecano's contract remains their primary objective.

Reports emerged earlier this month suggesting Guehi's representative had travelled to Germany for initial discussions with Bayern officials.

"It's absolutely clear that we, as Bayern Munich, are exploring the market," Eberl told DAZN. "Our clear goal is to extend Upa's contract; that's our ultimate goal.

"If that doesn't work out, we have to be prepared; we would be foolish not to. That's the reason. I've not confirmed anything, but we are active in the market."