Liverpool are unlikely to press ahead with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to Caught Offside.

The England international, who was subject of multiple bids worth up to £75m from Newcastle in the summer, is deemed to be too expensive.

Guehi has been regularly linked with a switch to Anfield over the past year but it looks as though the former Chelsea player won’t be targeted by the Reds in January or at the end of the season.

Caught Offside claim that the Merseysiders have identified “two favoured options” if they do choose to strengthen the backline.

Bade and Inacio are the main targets

Sevilla’s Loic Bade and Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio are reportedly the two defenders that Liverpool are set to pursue. It’s unlikely to be a coincidence that both have release clauses.

Bade can be signed if the Reds are prepared to match his €50m (£42m) buyout fee while Inacio will be slightly more expensive at €60m (£50m).

Why are Liverpool targeting centre-backs?

The Reds did not replace Joel Matip when the 33-year-old left Anfield on a free transfer last July. The club were believed to be serious about bringing in reinforcements at the back during the summer transfer window but the main focus was on recruiting Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

Adding numbers in defence may take on greater urgency at the end of this campaign if captain Virgil van Dijk leaves. The Dutchman’s contract is set to expire in June and there is no sign currently that he will put pen to paper on an extension.

Trusted sources have claimed that Liverpool have failed to make a breakthrough in talks with either van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold or Mo Salah, which will be of great concern to supporters. The fact that the club is after centre-half may give us some indication of the contingency plans being put in place by sporting director Richard Hughes.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here