The Empire of The Kop

Liverpool could be at risk of missing out to a Premier League rival for one rumored transfer target, judging by recent reports.

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Marc Guehi as the summer deadline approaches, but as we reported on Empire of the Kop last week, they also have Brentford’s Nathan Collins on their radar as an alternative centre-back option to pursue.

However, Arne Slot’s side are far from alone in their interest in the Republic of Ireland international, and a fellow top-flight club now appear to be in pole position to land the 24-year-old.

Spurs ahead of Liverpool in Nathan Collins transfer race

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their efforts to sign the Bees captain -who played under Spurs manager Thomas Frank at the Gtech Community Stadium – and ‘contacts are expected to take place imminently’ with the north London club.

Although Liverpool remain interested in Collins, they’ve yet to make an official approach for the defender, with Guehi understood to be the priority at Anfield.

Manchester United also like the Irishman, but they’d need to sell players first before being in a position to bid for him.

Liverpool unlikely to sign Collins this month

The Athletic claimed on Tuesday that Liverpool are ‘not expected to seek an alternative’ for Guehi if they fail to land the Palace captain, which suggests that they won’t push the boat out to sign Collins, for whom Spurs now appear to be the clear frontrunners.

The Irishman is described as a ‘born leader’ on Brentford’s official website, and he’s valued at €40m-€45m (£34.6m-£39m) by his current club, which corresponds with what the Reds are intending to spend on the Eagles skipper if they can persuade the FA Cup holders to sell him.

Slot’s squad has been replenished to four senior centre-backs after the recent addition of Giovanni Leoni, which somewhat reduces the urgency to strengthen in that area of the pitch, although there remains some doubt as to whether Ibrahima Konate will renew his contract beyond its expiry next year.

Collins’ previous working relationship with Frank had given Spurs an edge ever before they began to pursue him, and Liverpool may need to move swiftly if they’re serious about hijacking the Europa League winners’ move for the Brentford captain.

It seems increasingly unlikely that the Irishman will become a Reds player by the end of the summer, although this bumper transfer window on Merseyside has taught us not to rule out anything until the deadline passes!

Liverpool are still keen on England international Marc Guehi as the Crystal Palace defender enters the final 12 months of his contract — and there’s growing belief this saga could dominate the coming weeks.

The 24-year-old, who captained Palace to FA Cup glory and was a near ever-present last season, is once again a name to watch for us as Arne Slot continues to reshape his backline following the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

As reported by David Ornstein on Sky Sports News, the London club turned down a £65m+£5m offer from Newcastle last summer, but with no extension on the table, Guehi now holds all the power.

“He’s into now the last 12 months of his contract at Palace,” Ornstein explained.

“We know Liverpool are keen on him at the right price… Palace would be looking to cash in rather than face losing him for free.”

Liverpool will face competition for Guehi’s signature

With Tottenham also said to still be in the mix after a failed January bid, and Guehi apparently content to play out his deal if needed, the ball is firmly in the player’s court.

But crucially, the respected journalist added: “I’d be expecting him to start at the World Cup next summer.”

The Telegraph have also reported on this interest from Spurs and it seems that Crytal Palace’s resolve will be tested by a few suitors this summer.

If we’re looking for a durable, high-ceiling replacement for Quansah who can step straight into Champions League football, Guehi ticks every box.

Marc Guehi would be perfect for Liverpool

His 44 appearances last season, minimal injury history, and ability to lead a backline would make him an ideal partner for Virgil van Dijk and Ibou Konate — and an upgrade on the departed academy graduate.

Liverpool have already begun defensive reshuffling, with Arne Slot’s side seeing the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez this summer too.

One former England international has backed the Reds to make the move for the Palace captain and it feels like a signing that would tick all the right boxes.

Tottenham’s renewed interest could spark urgency, but the 24-year-old’s contract status gives Liverpool real leverage.

This situation is poised to unfold rapidly — and Guehi may be among the most in-demand players in the Premier League this window.

You can view Ornstein’s update on Guehi via @SkySportsNews on X:

🗣️ "I think Palace would be willing to cash in"

The Athletic's David Ornstein discusses reports that Liverpool and Spurs are interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. pic.twitter.com/SWe3WQQBPx

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 21, 2025

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have already played each other three times in 2025, and although they’re not due to resume battle on the pitch until just before Christmas, they could indulge in some fierce competition in the summer transfer window.

As per The Telegraph, the Reds remain the favourites to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, although Spurs aren’t ruling out the possibility of a renewed pursuit for the 25-year-old.

The England international isn’t the only Premier League centre-back being sought by both Arne Slot and Thomas Frank this summer, with their two clubs potentially facing off for another mutual transfer target.

Liverpool and Spurs among multiple suitors for Illya Zabarnyi

According to CaughtOffside, both Liverpool and Spurs are also among multiple clubs considering a move for Illya Zabarnyi in the next few weeks.

The north Londoners are reportedly preparing an offer for the Bournemouth defender which could surpass €70m (£60.6m), but they’re far from the only English top-flight suitor for the 22-year-old.

Newcastle and Chelsea both have him on their respective shortlists, while the Reds are also considering him as a potential recruit if they’re unable to persuade Ibrahima Konate to sign a contract extension.

However, all of those Premier League clubs could end up disappointed, as the Ukrainian is understood to prefer Paris Saint-Germain, who’ve had several bids knocked back by the Cherries, who value him at £60m.

Would Zabarnyi be worth £60m of Liverpool’s money?

While Guehi might seem like the most desirable option, given his experience and homegrown status, Liverpool would be wise to keep Zabarnyi in mind as an alternative target.

The Reds currently have just three senior centre-backs, so that part of Slot’s squad could certainly do with bolstering this summer, especially if attempts to broker a new contract for Konate (who’s into the final year of his current deal) prove to be futile.

Former Bournemouth player Joe Partington hailed the Ukrainian and Dean Huijsen as ‘everything you would want from a defensive centre-back pairing’, with the duo forming an imperious partnership for the Cherries last season (BBC Sport), while the 22-year-old’s manager Andoni Iraola has praised his leadership qualities and training ground attitude (ChosunBiz).

In truth, however, it doesn’t seem overly likely that Liverpool will sign Zabarnyi this summer. His price tag seems a bit prohibitive, especially compared to the quoted valuations of £50m for Guehi, while the Ukraine international could be difficult to persuade if his heart is set on PSG.

The Palace defender remains the priority in terms of centre-back recruitment, but if the Reds hit a dead end in that pursuit and aren’t making headway with a new deal for Konate, then the Bournemouth man could be next in line for a few phone calls from Richard Hughes, who’d have a few south-coast contacts on speed dial given his previous ties with the club…

Liverpool remain firmly in the driving seat to land Marc Guehi – but a fresh update from Matt Law has cast doubt over how straightforward the race really is.

As reported in The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are considering reigniting their pursuit of the Crystal Palace defender, despite having four senior centre-backs and further versatile options.

Spurs had a winter bid for the England international turned down, and although they haven’t yet firmed up a second approach, they have “not ruled out” another attempt to bring Guehi to north London.

Tottenham plot a move for Marc Guehi

The 24-year-old, who captained Crystal Palace for most of last season and played 44 games in all competitions, is in the final year of his contract.

That gives Liverpool a strong negotiating hand – particularly after already moving on Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £30m.

Given the timing of that departure, the 24-year-old’s leadership qualities, and his durability, it’s no surprise we’ve prioritised Guehi.

Although we have heard these links for quite an extended period of time now, with David Lynch attempting to explain the delays thus far.

Despite Tottenham’s lingering interest, The Telegraph report states clearly that “Liverpool remain the favourites to sign the England international if he leaves Palace this summer.”

Liverpool still have the upper hand on Guehi

Guehi’s arrival would help offset the loss of Quansah and strengthen a back line already bolstered by the Premier League-winning presence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibou Konate.

The South London-born defender would offer the type of consistency and composure needed to build another title-winning platform – and crucially, he’d be available to join up with Arne Slot’s squad immediately for pre-season.

Guehi would represent a smart, long-term move with instant impact and one that has been backed by one former England international.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham follow through with a second offer, particularly while dealing with ongoing uncertainty over Cristian Romero’s future.

But unless they act quickly, they risk being left behind as we prepare to close in on one of England’s most reliable defensive options.

Liverpool appear to have been given an open invitation to swoop for a Premier League forward who’s wowed Arne Slot in the past.

As per The Guardian, West Ham’s urgent need to satisfy profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR) could see them put Mohammed Kudus up for sale, with £60m potentially being sufficient to get a deal done as Tottenham Hotspur reportedly seek to take advantage.

The Reds have been linked with the Ghanaian attacker in recent months, and although there are no active links during the summer transfer window, it appears that they’d still have a plausible chance of signing him if they’re interested in doing so.

Kudus could snub London duo for Liverpool move

The Irons forward would seemingly be amenable to joining Liverpool ahead of two suitors from London, even if it means taking a pay cut.

On Monday evening, Matt Thielen – editor in chief for LFC Transfer Room – posted on X: “Mohammed Kudus’ agent has informed Liverpool that the player would be open to accepting a reduced salary should the club express interest in securing his services amid interest from Tottenham & Chelsea.”

Should Liverpool duly seek to swoop for Kudus?

With the 24-year-old – who Slot dubbed ‘incredible’ after West Ham’s narrow defeat at Anfield in April (Sky Sports) – seemingly keen on joining the Premier League champions over Spurs and Chelsea, is that a situation the Reds should seek to exploit?

He already knows his way around the English top flight and is coming into his prime footballing years, and his ability to play anywhere across the frontline would make him a hugely valuable asset, especially if Liverpool were to offload some of their current attackers this summer.

Also, he could be a prime candidate to cover for Mo Salah when our number 11 is away at the Africa Cup of Nations over the festive period, as Ghana incredibly failed to qualify for the latest edition of the tournament.

However, we probably shouldn’t expect Kudus to be an instant game-changer at Anfield, having registered just five goals and four assists in 35 games last season (a significant reduction on his 2023/24 output). If we were to spend £60m on him, we’d have reason to expect a much greater return in a red shirt.

At present there doesn’t appear to be any great need for Liverpool to push for the West Ham attacker, but that could change if the likes of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa were to leave in the next two months.

In that event, might FSG then try to take advantage of the 24-year-old’s apparent preference for the Reds? Let’s see how it plays out over the coming weeks…