Guehi wanted Liverpool or nothing

The last-minute collapse of Marc Guehi's transfer to Liverpool is a story rooted in brinksmanship.

A game of poker - but who won? That is down to opinion.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is arguably the saga's biggest winner. The Austrian got what he wanted all along - to keep his captain despite the financial ramifications on the club, who have now lost a £35m cash injection with Guehi set to leave for nothing next summer.

Amid the transfer drama, Guehi was getting on with his pre-season. The start of his summer was hampered by a slight hamstring complaint that required a scan and careful managing during their summer training camp.

But Guehi knew machinations were evolving in private and so did Glasner, whose messaging to Guehi had been consistent throughout the summer.

The Palace boss wanted him to stay. His stance was understandable - Guehi was his skipper and a key player in his team.

Glasner's contract also expires next summer and the manager wanted them to ride the wave of uncertainty together.

At the time, Guehi did not have a decision to make. Liverpool had not made a bid, but he knew it was coming and was clear with his messaging to Glasner that, if the Reds did formalise their interest, it was something he would like to consider.

But Guehi did not agitate - it is not his style. He is the captain of the club and he has never taken that responsibility lightly. Equally, Guehi did not need to force the issue - he was in the final 12 months of his deal.

It is likely the option of joining Liverpool next season will still be available to him, the fact he would be on a free transfer means he would earn significantly more.

Palace tried to offset the issue by offering Guehi a new contract, but the defender declined the offer.

By this point, it was one a club market. Tottenham, BBC Sport understands, tested the water to see if Guehi was open to joining for Thomas Frank's first season in charge.

That was Palace's only genuine hope of starting an auction, but Guehi's intentions were clear: it was Liverpool or a free transfer next summer.