Crystal Palace want Ousmane Diomande as replacement for Marc Guehi if he joins Liverpool in January | OneFootball

Crystal Palace consider Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande as the natural successor to Liverpool target Marc Guehi, according to Sky Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Liverpool are in pole position to sign the England international, with Palace convinced they will move for him during the winter transfer window.

The Reds are 11th in the Premier League table after 12 games this term and are struggling at the back, having conceded 20 goals.

Liverpool could now look to sign Guehi in January instead of waiting to sign him for free next summer, and they could be ready to pay £35 million.

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 Palace’s radar 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 win back-to-back Primeira Liga titles heading into this season.

The defender is comfortable on the ball and in possession. He has weighed in with nine goals and two assists in 109 games for Sporting.

Palace will miss Guehi, but he could help turn Liverpool’s fortunes around following a dreadful start to the season.

The Eagles are prepared to lose him, and signing Diomande as his replacement could be a smart move.