'We will sign him of course' - Liverpool manager Arne Slot on Marc Guehi

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has commented on the possible signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, after an unsuccessful effort to sign the center-back during the summer transfer window.

The Premier League champions, who enjoyed a stellar season under Slot’s first year, had Guehi on their radar to strengthen their defense but failed to strike a deal with Palace in the closing moments of the transfer window.

There were rumours that the Reds might make a move again in the January transfer window, as the English international has only one year left on his Palace contract and is determined to move to Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit had a £35 million bid for the Palace defender turned down in the last minute, with the Eagles citing various reasons.

Reports suggest that Palace, the FA Cup and Community Shield champions, withdrew from the deal at the last moment due to manager Oliver Glasner’s alleged threat to resign if the 25-year-old star was sold this season.

Now, the Dutch manager, Slot, has expressed his disappointment at failing to sign the English international, but expressed confidence in going back to complete what they started.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Slot said: “I think it would be ridiculous if I will deny we were close, it was so out in the open, these things happen in football,”

“It’s happened to our players before, it can happen.

“We would like to sign him of course because we were in for him. If we feel we can strengthen then we will try to.

“We played Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, who were outstanding against Arsenal, and Joe Gomez as well. We also signed Giovanni Leoni, who had a call-up and we have Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch as well, so it’s not that we don’t have the players.

“It’s a pity for the player but he is at a good club.”

Liverpool are well aware that Guehi’s contract expires next summer, and is ready to pile pressure on Palace to sell, avoiding the circumstance of the player leaving for free.

Slot added: “Let’s see what the future brings for us. January or summer? I don’t tell you, but I am thinking of Burnley.”