Liverpool are awaiting clarity on a key detail that could influence their pursuit of transfer target Marc Guehi . The Reds have their eye on the centre-back as they gear up for the new season, but will only swoop in when the timing feels right. The Premier League champs have been ruthless in the summer transfer window , with sporting director Richard Hughes spearheading the mission to secure all top targets. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and soon-to-be Red Hugo Ekitike - these four big names makeup a spending spree exceeding £200m and still ticking. However, when it comes to Palace skipper Guehi with his contract set to expire in less than a year, Liverpool are content to bide their time to strike the most favourable deal. Should the Premier League side lower their asking price for the 25-year-old (rumoured to be around £40m), it would speed things up and potentially lead to direct negotiations with Palace. Several factors will come into play here. One aspect the Eagles will need to consider is which European competition they'll be competing in next season, reports the Liverpool Echo . After clinching the FA Cup in 2024/25, Oliver Glasner's team earned a spot in the upcoming season's Europa League. However, UEFA stripped them of this privilege due to a violation of multi-club ownership rules related to US businessman John Textor's stake in both Palace and Lyon. As the London-based club gears up to take action, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed an appeal against UEFA's decision has been lodged. A fresh verdict is anticipated on or before 11 August - interestingly, a day after the Reds square off with Palace for the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium. The final call on this key date could sway Guehi's future at Selhurst Park. His club's reaction to the outcome could influence his fate, whether they stand firm on his sale or not, or how the England international factors in the decision for his own career path. Liverpool will be keen to stay in the mix to defend their Premier League title and bag other major trophies next season - a tempting prospect as shown by the talent committing to the project this summer. However, Arne Slot's team boasts a solid duo in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate - a partnership Guehi would need to crack into. With the 2026 World Cup just a year away, the defender might see it as too much of a gamble as he aims to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad.