Crystal Palace reportedly asked for Joe Gomez before Marc Guehi's move to Liverpool collapsed.
Guehi looked set to join Arne Slot's champions after the fee was agreed, he underwent a medical, a five-year contract was drawn up, and his farewell message to Palace was recorded.
Palace had seemingly assumed they were set to sign a replacement in the final hours of the transfer window, with Brazil defender Igor Julio lined up for a season-long loan switch from rivals Brighton.
When that was communicated to Liverpool, the process of completing the move began, but Arne Slot's side still had to wait for the green light from Palace, who wanted a left-sided centre back literally through the door before giving that.