Marc Guehi is in the sights of Man City after their recent injuries in defence, which leaves question marks over how Liverpool will respond if they make a move.
Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias both suffered injuries against Chelsea on Sunday, and with John Stones still sidelined, City are reportedly “emerging as contenders” to sign Guehi.
Marc Guehi to Man City? Latest transfer report
• City interest accelerated: Man City have emerged as contenders to sign Marc Guehi this month after Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were injured against Chelsea.
• Liverpool’s dilemma: While the Reds remain “strongly interested,” they must now decide whether to bring forward their summer plans or risk losing their top long-term target to a direct rival.
• Transfer window shift: Though Guehi is a free agent in June, Crystal Palace are reportedly open to a January sale to avoid losing their captain for nothing at the end of the season.
The BBC‘s Sami Mokbel, who has covered Guehi’s future extensively, reports that City’s interest has “progressed” and a January move “should not be discounted,” dependent on the outcome of scans.
No formal approach has been made as of yet, but Palace – and Liverpool – will now have been put on notice.
In December, it was reported that Guehi was a ‘leading target’ for Pep Guardiola’s side as they too are preparing to overhaul their defence.
Liverpool are described as remaining “strongly interested” in the Palace captain, but there is yet to be an indication of whether they would move forward their plans to sign the 25-year-old.
Guehi is available on a free transfer in the summer, but the Eagles “would consider selling” this month to avoid losing the England international on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Another point to consider is Oliver Glasner’s future after he became a top target for Man United after Ruben Amorim was sacked – he has been vocal against any Guehi exit.
Liverpool put on alert for Marc Guehi transfer
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It puts Liverpool in a position where they have to be ready to react if City were to advance their interest into formal talks, otherwise stand to lose a long-term target.
The collapse of Guehi’s summer move has proved costly for the Reds, conceding 28 goals already in the league, the joint-second most of any team in the top half of the table.
Arne Slot has had to navigate the season with primarily only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as his senior centre-backs, which does little to create competition and improve performances.
The 25-year-old, meanwhile, has started 30 of Palace’s 32 games in all competitions and played a total of 2,652 minutes to date, more than any current Liverpool player.
With the World Cup to come in the summer, Guehi will have to consider his best chances to be in Thomas Tuchel’s squad if an offer is made for him this month.
For Liverpool’s sake, they will have to be alert to any City advances.
