Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, as the Premier League champions move to reinforce their defence.
City accelerated talks for the England international centre-back following injury setbacks to defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias. Negotiations between both clubs intensified over the past 24 hours, with City now confident the transfer will be completed before the window closes.
Guehi, 25, is set to enter the final months of his contract, which expires in the summer, and has attracted interest from several top European clubs. He was close to joining Liverpool last summer, but a £35 million deal collapsed on deadline day after he had already begun his medical.
Although personal terms with Manchester City are yet to be finalised, sources indicate there are no expected obstacles, with the defender poised to sign a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Reports earlier this month suggested City were considering a move for Guehi, and discussions have since gathered momentum. City manager Pep Guardiola declined to comment on the deal when asked on Friday, simply stating, “Nothing to say.”
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, however, confirmed that negotiations were close to completion.
“My understanding is the deal with Marc is in the final stages,” the Austrian said, adding that Guehi will not be included in Palace’s squad to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.
Glasner had earlier acknowledged that Palace were open to selling the defender in January if their valuation was met.
Guehi captained Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory last season, lifting the trophy after a final victory over Manchester City. He also led the Eagles to a Community Shield win over Liverpool at the start of the current campaign.
Manchester City have already strengthened their squad this month with the £62.5 million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, and Guehi’s expected arrival would further bolster Guardiola’s defensive options.
Elijah Adeyemi
