Liverpool 'prepare Marc Guehi swap deal' as Crystal Palace name transfer price

Liverpool are reportedly ready to use Ben Doak as a makeweight in negotiations with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi. The Reds are keen to acquire the services of the centre-back this summer, but his price tag is already proving an issue in talks.

Arne Slot's side have already splashed the cash in recent weeks, signing both Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, with Milos Kerkez also joining the club from Premier League rivals Bournemouth.

With Jarrell Quansah set to join Leverkusen and uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate's long-term future on Merseyside, Liverpool have turned their attention to signing Palace skipper Guehi.

According to The Sun, the Eagles are demanding £50million to part ways with their captain, despite his contract expiring at Selhurst Park next summer. As a result, Liverpool are considering a player-plus-cash deal for the England international.

Palace are keen admirers of Doak, who spent last season on loan at Championship outfit Middlesbrough, and he could be used as a bargaining chip by Liverpool in talks. The Reds are willing to offer the £25m-rated forward as part of the deal, though an agreement could take 'a great deal of negotiating'.

Doak scored three goals and registered seven assists for Boro last season, making 24 appearances in all competitions. His performances have continued to catch the eye of suitors though, and Palace aren't alone in wanting to sign the forward.

Everton have also been credited with holding an interest in Doak, with an unusual Merseyside switch potentially on the cards. David Moyes' side are hoping to spend before the end of the transfer window as they look to prepare themselves for their first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Palace may therefore need to act quickly if they are to sign Doak, which could involve compromising on their asking price for Guehi. With the defender set on running his contract down with Oliver Glasner's side, this summer represents one of the last opportunities for the Eagles to gain a substantial fee for his services - with his valuation likely to depreciate further in the January transfer window.

Newcastle and Manchester United are also interested in signing Guehi, and Palace will be hopeful that a bidding war breaks out for the Chelsea academy graduate.