Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has suggested that the club would rather allow Marc Guehi to depart for nothing at the conclusion of the campaign, rather than sell him in January. It was Parish who scuppered a £35million deadline day switch to Liverpool and he has now clarified Palace's position.

Guehi had been poised to join Liverpool before Palace had second thoughts about parting with their skipper without securing a replacement. The England international had been eager to make the move to Anfield but has maintained his excellent form for Palace throughout this season.He will depart Palace in 2026, when his deal runs out in the summer, but his next club and departure timing remain unclear.

Liverpool have been accompanied by European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona in expressing interest and nothing has been finalised yet.

Bayern and the Spanish giants hold the benefit of being permitted to discuss terms with Guehi in January regarding a free move in July.

And it appears that Palace would have no interest in securing a transfer fee in the New Year and would prefer to retain Guehi's...