Marc Guehi to Liverpool: Crystal Palace 'agree' shock defender deal on deadline day

Crystal Palace have reportedly struck a deal to sign Igor Julio on loan from rivals Brighton as the club wait to see whether Marc Guehi will leave for Liverpool.

Mirror Football understands that Liverpool are waiting for a response from Palace after making an offer of £35million for Guehi on Friday. The Palace captain played and scored in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday evening and is waiting to discover his future on transfer deadline day.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner has continually reiterated his desire to keep the centre-back, despite him entering the final year of his contract. But chairman Steve Parrish has made it clear that the club may have to sell, in order to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

The south London club are negotiating over a potential £5m in add-ons and are clearly preparing for life without their star defender. They have been linked with a whole host of centre-backs in recent weeks, including Manchester City's Manuel Akanji and Monaco's Mohammed Salisu, but have now moved for Julio instead.

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Reporter Charlie Parker-Turner says that Palace have agreed a season-long loan with Brighton for the Brazilian, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. West Ham are also interested in the 27-year-old defender, having agreed to sell Nayef Aguerd to Marseille for €23million (£20m).

With Liverpool's interest in Guehi well documented, Palace have been scouring the market for centre-backs in recent weeks. They have been linked with Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet and Toulouse’s Jaydee Canvot, but seem to prefer Premier League experience.

Julio joined Brighton from Fiorentina two years ago and has made 50 appearances for the club. But he has slipped down the pecking order under Fabian Hurzeler, who is happy to let him leave for the club's rivals.

Liverpool have already signed defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £26m, but want further reinforcements at the back, with Joe Gomez the only other back-up to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. If they do sign Guehi it will be against the wishes of Glasner.

"I told the chairman we have to keep Marc if we want to play a successful season," he told BBC Sport after the 3-0 win over Villa on Sunday. "We have no chance to find the right replacement in one day. We all agreed that we just sell Marc if we have the right replacement in the building.

"We wanted a replacement by 1 July. It is 31 August and we have no replacement. We have this agreement so it is clear from me. He is such a crucial player. He is one of our key players - he is our captain."

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