Liverpool and Tottenham in fight for Premier League international star | OneFootball

Liverpool and Spurs Prepare for Transfer Battle Over Nathan Collins and Marc Guehi

Liverpool’s defensive plans are under scrutiny once again as the club looks to strengthen its backline in the coming transfer windows. With Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury on debut, the Reds’ options at centre-back have been reduced to just three senior players — Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez.

As the January window approaches, Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, are intensifying their search for reinforcements. Two names have emerged prominently on their radar: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Brentford captain Nathan Collins — though Tottenham Hotspur may have a major say in how this story unfolds.

Guehi’s situation sparks renewed interest

Liverpool’s interest in Marc Guehi is long-standing. The club made an offer of around £35 million for the Crystal Palace captain late in the summer window, but the bid was rejected as Palace were unable to secure a suitable replacement.

Guehi, 25, remains one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League and is viewed as a leader both at club level and with England. His contract runs until 2026, but that timeline has not discouraged suitors. Tottenham have also shown intent, and both clubs could return for him in January amid growing competition across the league for proven defenders.

While Guehi’s defensive intelligence and calmness under pressure make him a logical target, Liverpool’s scouting department have also broadened their focus. The name that continues to gain traction inside Anfield circles is Nathan Collins.

Collins impressing as Brentford captain

Since arriving at Brentford from Wolves in 2023 for a club-record £24 million, Collins has developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders. His consistency has not gone unnoticed — the 24-year-old played every minute of last season’s campaign and was handed the captain’s armband by new manager Keith Andrews this summer.

With a contract stretching until 2029, Brentford are in no rush to sell. Yet, their history of allowing top performers to leave at the right time — including Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo — suggests a deal could become realistic should a significant offer arrive.

Collins’ blend of aerial dominance, composure in possession and leadership qualities make him an ideal profile for Liverpool’s defensive evolution under Arne Slot. The Reds’ recruitment analysts reportedly view him as a long-term successor to van Dijk, while his Premier League experience ensures minimal adaptation risk.

Tottenham’s advantage and Liverpool’s response

Tottenham’s interest in Collins stems from their familiarity with the player. Thomas Frank, now Spurs’ head coach, previously oversaw the Irishman’s development at Brentford and remains an admirer of his qualities. Spurs’ ongoing rebuild in central defence — following the departure of several senior players — could see them move aggressively for the Brentford captain.

However, Liverpool’s urgency for depth at centre-back, coupled with the club’s well-documented ability to persuade targets through long-term planning, places them firmly in the race. Sources close to both clubs expect monitoring to continue through the season, with bids possible next summer should Collins maintain his upward trajectory.

Having already made 32 appearances for the Republic of Ireland and scored twice, Collins represents both current reliability and future potential. Whether Liverpool or Spurs make the first decisive move could depend on how both sides navigate their defensive situations in the months ahead.

For now, two Premier League captains — Marc Guehi and Nathan Collins — stand at the centre of one of the season’s most intriguing transfer narratives.