Marc Guehi has heart set on surprise transfer away from Crystal Palace after defender saw deadline day move to Liverpool collapse

On September 1st, Guehi’s £35 million move to Anfield was all but agreed. Bags were nearly packed, and medical checks lined up. Then Palace, unwilling to leave themselves exposed, pulled the plug on the deal at the final moment. Rather than wait for another chance in England, Guehi has told his advisors that Real Madrid is where his heart lies, as revealed by The Mirror. For the 25-year-old, the lure of La Liga and the chance to wear the white of Los Blancos outweighs anything Liverpool can put on the table.

It isn’t just Guehi Liverpool have to worry about. Ibrahima Konate, one of their most reliable defenders, is running down his contract with no sign of renewal. Next summer, he can walk away for free, and Real Madrid are one of the clubs circling. That sets up the nightmare scenario: Madrid swooping for both Guehi and Konate, pairing them in Spain’s top flight while leaving the Reds short of options at the back.

The Guehi situation is even more precarious for Palace. With his contract winding down, they face losing him for nothing next summer. From January, foreign clubs can approach him directly and seal a pre-contract agreement. Madrid’s prestige and history of snapping up the Premier League’s best will make them favourites to land his signature.

The ball is firmly in Guehi's court, and unless Palace find a miracle way to convince him otherwise, he will be La Liga-bound next summer.