The Reds came close to landing the England international in September, completing a medical before the transfer collapsed late on. With Guehi refusing to extend his Palace contract and entering its final months, elite clubs across Europe are now circling and Bayern appear ready to strike first.

Once the 25-year-old enters the final six months of his deal, overseas clubs can negotiate a pre-contract agreement. Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl is expected to speak with Guehi in early January, a move that could leave Liverpool trailing unless they choose to revive their bid immediately.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have also expressed interest, while England captain Harry Kane is rumoured to be encouraging his international teammate to choose Munich.

Liverpool, however, are unable to negotiate freely until summer due to Premier League regulations. That delay could prove costly.

One unexpected upside for Liverpool is that Bayern’s pursuit of Guehi suggests they won’t pursue Nico Schlotterbeck, the Borussia Dortmund centre-half who has long been monitored by the Anfield recruitment team.

Schlotterbeck, 26, has stalled on a new contract at Dortmund and may be sold if negotiations fail. His left-footed profile is attractive to Liverpool, who are assessing long-term defensive options as uncertainty continues around Ibrahima Konaté.

Konaté also out of contract in June has struggled for consistency this season, though manager Arne Slot praised the Frenchman’s response in Liverpool’s 1–0 Champions League win at Inter Milan.

“He’s played well for large parts of most games, even in matches where mistakes led to goals,” Slot said. “I’m pleased for him that he kept a clean sheet and stayed clear of trouble tonight. He’s been unlucky every error seems to end up in the net.”

Liverpool must now decide whether to compete with Bayern in January or wait for the summer knowing the defender could already have agreed a move abroad.

If you want a short lead, SEO headline, or social teaser, I can whip that up next.