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Liverpool lead race for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as Chelsea hunt for Levi Colwill replacement - Paper Round
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Published 09/08/2025 at 22:47 GMT+1
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Liverpool are the side most likely to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, while Manchester City need to trim their squad with Jack Grealish, James McAtee and others set to depart the club. Elsewhere, Newcastle United are closing in on AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, and Brandon Williams is finally set to join a side after a season out of the game.
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Liverpool hold edge in Guehi chase
Premier League champions Liverpool are leading the race to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
Previous suitors Chelsea are reportedly looking at other options after Levi Colwill’s injury.
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The Telegraph reports: "Liverpool are in pole position to land England centre-back Marc Guehi should he leave Crystal Palace this summer with a year left on his contract.
"Guehi will play against Arne Slot’s team in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday [live on TNT Sports and discovery+] and is a player of interest at Anfield, who have been monitoring his contract situation at Palace over the last year.
"And they will have a clear run at the 25-year-old as Chelsea are currently prioritising other transfer targets despite Levi Colwill’s anterior ligament injury leaving them short at the back.
"Guehi’s asking price is complicated by his value to [Oliver] Glasner’s team, even though he is entering the final year of his current contract with no sign of an extension. He was also a starter for Gareth Southgate at the European Championship with England in 2024. Newcastle valued him at £65 million last summer and his market value in theory should be lower now as he can leave for free in 12 months’ time."
City face late clearout
Manchester City need to get rid of a host of their first-team squad as they look to meet regulations over the size of their playing staff.
Jack Grealish, James McAtee, Kalvin Phillips and keeper Stefan Ortega are all on the fringes of the City setup.
The Mirror writes: "Manchester City are facing a race against time to trim their squad to meet both Premier League and Champions League requirements.
"City currently have 32 players in their first-team squad - and although Premier League rules on homegrown players and those aged under 21 means they only have to make one sale before the transfer window closes, different regulations in Europe means as many as five players need to leave.
"City have told Jack Grealish, James McAtee, Kalvin Phillips and keeper Stefan Ortega that they can leave if the right offer comes along. Grealish is attracting interest from Everton and Napoli, but The Blues may be forced to accept a loan deal that would see them subsidise the ÂŁ300,000-a-week wages of a player who cost them ÂŁ100 million."
Newcastle near Thiaw deal
Newcastle United are close to agreeing a deal with AC Milan for their defender Malick Thiaw.
The versatile Germany international is likely to initially cost around ÂŁ30 million, with more in add-ons.
The Athletic explains: "Newcastle United are close to a deal to sign defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan.
"An upfront fee of €35 million [£30.3m; $40.8m] alongside €5m [£4.3m; $5.8m] in add-ons is in the process of being finalised, with the centre-back waiting for permission to travel.
"Thiaw is a long-term target for Newcastle and the player has pushed hard for a move to St James’ Park."
Hull to sign former Man Utd defender
Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams has been without a club for a year, but has finally found a team for the new season.
Championship side Hull City are poised to sign him to a permanent deal after he completes a medical.
The Daily Mail states: "Hull City appear to have won the race for Brandon Williams.
"Earlier this week, Daily Mail Sport revealed that the former Manchester United starlet was being chased by clubs in the Championship and overseas.
"Interest had been piqued by Williams' form and attitude during a trial spell at Hull City.
"However, it can now be disclosed that The Tigers look to have won the race for the talented left back, with a medical due in East Yorkshire next week."
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