Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has revealed his club's historic debut European campaign was behind the decision to block captain Marc Guehi's dream switch to Liverpool. The Premier League champions had struck a £35million agreement with Palace on transfer deadline day for the England defender.

Guehi was granted permission to complete his medical in London on September 1. However, the Eagles' bid to secure a replacement collapsed when Brighton star Igor Julio opted for a loan spell at West Ham instead of moving to Selhurst Park. Reports also surfaced on the evening that Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who was determined to retain Guehi, had threatened to quit if the star player departed south London. The proposed transfer to Anfield was subsequently scrapped and Liverpool are now anticipated to return next summer when the 25-year-old will be available as a free agent.

Parish has now disclosed that the FA Cup winners' maiden European adventure was the primary factor behind the choice to retain Guehi, who is now entitled to discuss terms with foreign clubs from January 1 regarding a pre-contract agreement.

"It's a difficult decision,"...