Liverpool 'hold talks' with Crystal Palace star as Marc Guehi double deal eyed

Liverpool have reportedly held talks with Jean-Philippe Mateta over a possible move this summer. The Crystal Palace star has been heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park in recent weeks, and the Reds are the latest side to join the race to secure his signature.

Arne Slot's side have splashed the cash already this summer, signing Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth as well as Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, and another double swoop now appears to be in the works.

According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool have met with Mateta and his agent to discuss the potential conditions of a move. The 'meeting' took place in Paris, with the Frenchman's exit from Palace now firmly on the cards.

AC Milan and Manchester United are among those to have been linked with the No. 9, but the prospect of joining Slot's Premier League title-winning outfit could prove to be an opportunity simply too good to turn down.

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Mateta viewed as a cheaper alternative to other names on their shortlist, such as Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike and Newcastle star Alexander Isak. Palace are demanding in the region of £52million to part ways with the 28-year-old, who has just two years left on his current deal with then south London side.

With plenty of rival interest, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool act quickly to steal a march on other suitors or are willing to bide their time in case other options become available towards the end of the transfer window.

Mateta is not the only Palace star being considered on Merseyside though. Liverpool are keen to acquire the services of Eagles skipper Marc Guehi and have shortlisted the England international as one of their top targets for the remainder of the transfer window.

Following the sale of academy graduate Jarrell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, the Reds turned their attention to Guehi, aware that he has just 12 months left on his contract with Palace and that he has not shown any strong willingness to extend his stay. Oliver Glasner's side are still holding out for in excess of £50m for the defender though, which has proven a sticking point for Liverpool in preliminary talks so far, with Newcastle and Tottenham also keen.