Marc Guehi's last game for Crystal Palace? Oliver Glasner talks future of Liverpool target with four days of transfer window remaining

Guehi, who played a pivotal role in Palace’s remarkable FA Cup triumph under Glasner last season, is into the final year of his contract. That ticking clock leaves the club with a huge decision: cash in now or risk losing him for nothing next summer.

The Eagles are still reeling from the loss of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal last week, a move that left Glasner furious at the timing and the disruption. To now face uncertainty over Guehi is another hammer blow, with Liverpool continuing to circle.

Asked about Guehi’s availability for Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa, Glasner could not hide his concern. The Austrian coach said: "Yes, everybody can see how many players we have available, everybody can see how important Marc is, so honestly, I don’t know, but I really deeply hope that Marc will play for us at Villa Park. I deeply hope that Marc will play until the end of the season for us."

Glasner admitted the ongoing speculation has made preparing for the new season a nightmare. He argued that the transfer deadline should close before the campaign begins, sparing managers the chaos of losing stars after competitive matches have started.

"I mention it often, for me and for every manager, it would best if the window stops when the season starts, because you’re preparing the team for a season," he said. "That would make it easier, but at the end I will do the same as last year – Monday, September 1, I will go into the pub and order a pint of beer."

Behind the scenes, Palace are already plotting contingencies. Reports suggest the club are weighing up a move for Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji as a potential successor should Guehi depart.