'It would be ridiculous!' - Arne Slot lifts lid on Liverpool's failed attempts to sign Marc Guehi with admission that 'it happens to our players as well'

A fee of around $47 million (£35 million) had been struck between the two clubs, with paperwork even submitted to the Premier League. Guehi, who is out of contract next summer, had prepared to commit to a five-year deal with the Reds. But Palace, unable to secure a replacement in time, pulled the plug at the eleventh hour, leaving Liverpool empty-handed.

Speaking for the first time about the failed swoop, Slot said: "A lot happened on the final day. I am most pleased that we got the deal for Alexander Isak over the line. Everyone at the club worked so hard to get it done. It would be a bit ridiculous to deny that we were close to signing Guehi. That is so out in the open. But these things happen. It probably happened to our players where they were close to signing for other clubs and then things change in the last moment. 

"We would have liked to sign him, of course. If we feel we can strengthen the team, we never hesitate to do so, and that is what we tried to do. It is a pity for us and the player but he is in a good place at Palace, where he won the FA Cup and Community Shield. Let’s see what the future brings for him and us."

Despite the setback, Slot insisted Liverpool are not short of centre-back options. Giovanni Leoni, signed earlier in the window, is still awaiting his debut, while the established trio of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez remain reliable choices.

He added: "Against Arsenal, Ibou and Virgil were outstanding and then Joe Gomez came in and was outstanding, too. Giovanni Leoni had his first call up, Ryan and Wataru can play there so it isn’t like we don’t have options there."

Away from transfer drama, attention turns to Turf Moor this weekend, where newly-promoted Burnley await. Liverpool have made the perfect start to their Premier League campaign, winning all three of their opening fixtures, and Slot is eager to maintain momentum.