Liverpool plot £65m offer for Premier League defender tipped as potential Virgil van Dijk successor: Reports

Liverpool are reportedly ready to splash the cash on former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi, who they view as the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. As claimed by Spanish outlet Fichajes via SPORTbible, the Reds are prepared to make a £65 million offer for the England international.

The Merseyside giants have been flying under Arne Slot this season after the Dutchman took charge at the club in the summer. They are sitting comfortably at the top of both the Premier League as well as the Champions League tables.

However, Liverpool are dealing with some major headaches in terms of the contract situations of three of their star players. Skipper Virgil van Dijk, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and talisman Mohamed Salah all have their current deals expiring at the end of the season.

Regardless of what awaits for Van Dijk in the future, Liverpool are understood to be keen on making defensive reinforcements. Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is reportedly their primary target as they view him as Van Dijk's long-term successor.

Guehi has been one of the most coveted players during the last few months, with Newcastle United reportedly making three failed attempts to sign him last summer. Manchester United, Manchester City and Guehi's former club Chelsea have all been linked with the 24-year-old's services as well.

The England international came through Chelsea's esteemed youth ranks but only managed to make two senior appearances for the Blues. Following his successful loan spell at Swansea City, he moved to Crystal Palace in 2021 in a reported £18 million deal and has not looked back since.

During his time at Selhurst Park, Guehi has established himself as a top-class Premier League defender. He has also earned 22 caps for England and enjoyed a phenomenal UEFA European Championship 2024 campaign for the Three Lions.

Guehi has made 133 appearances for Crystal Palace thus far and has shown that he is a modern-day centre-back. He is excellent on the ball, boasts great recovery speed, and is also quite strong in the air.

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Arne Slot offers update on Liverpool star who went off injured in 5-0 win against West Ham United

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that defender Joe Gomez could be out for a while. The Reds thrashed the Hammers 5-0 at the London Stadium on Sunday, December 29 but Gomez had to be subbed off in the 37th minute.

Gomez seemingly suffered a hamstring injury and could not continue as Jarell Quansah came on to replace the 27-year-old. The young defender did pretty well alongside Virgil van Dijk in defence, helping Arne Slot's side secure a clean sheet.

Following the game, Arne Slot opened up on how long could Gomez be out for. The Liverpool manager said, as quoted by Tribal Football:

"If a player says stop, he has to be replaced. We all know it was a strain and we know it will take a while for him to be back. I don't know how long but he'll be out for a good while. Something like that happens over the course of a season."

Gomez has made 16 appearances across competitions for Liverpool this season, although six of those have been from the bench. Gomez has been filling in for Ibrahima Konate, who is currently out with a knee injury.