Crystal Palace consider Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande as the natural successor to Liverpool target Marc Guehi, according to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri. Liverpool are in the pole position for the England international with the Eagles convinced that the Anfield club are the only club truly positioned to sign him as early as January. The Reds are 11th in the Premier League table after 12 games and are struggling at the back having conceded 20 goals so far.

Liverpool could now look to sign Guehi in January instead of waiting to sign him for free in the summer, and they could be ready to pay £35 million for his services. Palace are open to cashing in on one of their best players as opposed to losing him for nothing at the end of the season. The Selhurst Park club are preparing for life without the 25-year-old and have identified Diomande as his replacement. The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international has been on the radar of Palace since last summer and he is open to joining them.

The London club will move for him if Guehi leaves in January, but Sporting are expected to play hardball as losing such a key player midway through the season could derail their title defence. They are only three points behind league leaders Porto after 11 games and will not be open to selling one of their best players in January. Diomande has featured in eight games across all competitions this term and has been crucial in helping Sporting to back-to-back Primeira Liga titles heading into this season.

The 6ft 3in defender is comfortable on the ball and in possession, and he has weighed in with nine goals and two assists in 109 games for Sporting as he is a threat at both ends of the pitch. Palace will miss Guehi, but he could help turn the fortunes of Liverpool around following a dreadful start to 2025-26. The Eagles are prepared to lose him, and bringing Diomande in as his replacement could be a smart move given the huge talent of the Ivorian.