Liverpool appear set to finalise the acquisition of Marc Guehi once Crystal Palace complete a £45million agreement for Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, according to *Football Insider* sources.

Palace are pursuing Diomande as a direct successor to Guehi, who has been linked with a departure from Selhurst Park for more than a year.

Insiders report that a sequence of deals could unfold once the South London club secure the Ivorian centre-back, which would open the door to parting ways with their skipper.

Liverpool have expressed interest in Guehi and have been observing his status throughout the summer.

With uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s future and following the £35m departure of Jarel Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, the Merseyside club regard Guehi as a top-tier defensive addition who could immediately strengthen their first team.

Guehi’s current contract expires in under a year, prompting Steve Parish to consider a sale now rather than letting him leave for free next summer.

**Diomande deal being held up by major financial talks**

Although Palace are deep in discussions with Sporting regarding Diomande’s transfer, the agreement remains complex.

Insiders suggest that the steep £45m valuation is creating a stumbling block in the talks, given the significant financial implications for the Eagles.

Since his move to Sporting from Danish outfit Midtjylland in January 2023, Diomande has emerged as one of the most highly-rated central defenders in Portugal’s top flight.

In the previous campaign, the Ivory Coast international featured in 29 of 34 league fixtures, helping the Lisbon club edge out Benfica for the Liga Portugal crown by two points.

**Palace are in talks to sign Diomande**

**Liverpool name new Luis Diaz asking price**

At the same time, Liverpool have set an updated valuation for Luis Diaz amid heightened interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich this summer, per *Football Insider* sources.

Arne Slot still intends to include the Colombian international in his squad next season, but a £69m offer would prompt a re-evaluation.

Liverpool turned down a £58m offer from Bayern Munich on Tuesday (15 July), and speculation suggests Diaz is keen on a move.

Barcelona, however, have capped their maximum offer at £51m and are

not prepared to match Liverpool’s demands.