Barcelona Join Race for Guehi as Transfer Battles Heat Up Across Europe

Barcelona are preparing to rival Liverpool and Real Madrid in the pursuit of Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, who is set to become a free agent next summer. The 25-year-old has already drawn strong interest from the Premier League champions and the Spanish giants.

Liverpool’s own defensive reshuffle was tested on deadline day when Joe Gomez, 28, attracted late approaches from Crystal Palace and Brighton. However, the England international remained at Anfield after the Reds failed in their attempt to lure Guehi.

At Everton, the futures of James Tarkowski, 31, Vitalii Mykolenko, 26, and James Garner, 24, are under scrutiny, with all three players entering the final year of their contracts.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are tipped to reignite their interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, 21, after missing out on the Cameroon international during the recent transfer window.

Fulham are determined to keep hold of Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz, 24, and are preparing an improved contract offer after fending off a summer bid from Serie A club Atalanta.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 33, is set to be reintegrated into Unai Emery’s squad after a deadline-day move to Manchester United collapsed. The Argentina international has turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, opting to stay at Villa Park for at least another season.

Tottenham have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, 25, with the Dutchman stalling on a new contract at the Amex.

Rangers remain keen on Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, 22, after failing with a late bid during the window, while Wolves have retained flexibility in Sasa Kalajdzic’s loan move to LASK, inserting a January recall clause with no permanent option included.