As a respected leader and captain for Palace, playfully referred to as "Uncle Marc" by his England team-mates because of his maturity and temperament, he fits into the culture Liverpool have fostered over this recent period of success.

Eberechi Eze is in demand in north London, while Liverpool are back in for Marc Guehi and still chasing Alexander Isak.

Summer signings Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha both starred for Tottenham as they fell agonisingly short of lifting their second trophy in the space of four months, but Frank added post-match that he needs reinforcements in the closing weeks of the window.

Liverpool are likely to intensify their pursuit of Marc Guehi after Ibrahima Konate's miserable opening day performance against Bournemouth.

Currently, Slot has just three centre-backs – Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and new signing Giovanni Leoni – to choose from, while usual midfielders Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch could fill in at centre-back if called upon.

Liverpool have opened talks with Crystal Palace to sign centre-back Marc Guéhi, with the south London club expecting a fee of around £30 million ($41m) plus £5m in add-ons, sources have told ESPN.

The 25-year-old played a pivotal role for England in Euro 2024, amassing over 200 senior appearances and leading Palace to FA Cup success in May. His consistency, composure and leadership make him a ready-made option to challenge Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk for a starting role at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed on Thursday an agreement reached with Parma to sign teenage defender Giovanni Leoni. Slot, however, refused to discuss any potential deal for another center back — England international Marc Guehi — and said any comments would need to come from his club,