Manchester City are pushing to finalise a January move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as they attempt to navigate a growing injury crisis at the back, according to recent reports.
The England centre-back has quickly become one of City’s top targets after both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol picked up injuries during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea several weeks ago, leaving Pep Guardiola severely limited for defensive options.
As a short-term fix, City recalled 20-year-old academy product Max Alleyne from his loan at Watford, with the youngster immediately thrown into matches against Brighton and Exeter City within days of returning to the club.
Even so, there is a strong belief inside the Etihad that reinforcements are essential if City are to maintain their push on all fronts, including their pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal and a potential fifth title in six seasons.
Nathan Ake’s ongoing fitness concerns over the last 18 months mean Guardiola cannot rely on the Dutchman for consistent availability, especially with Gvardiol facing a four to five-month layoff and Dias still expected to miss another month.
John Stones also remains unavailable, and his long-term future at the club is now being questioned, with Guardiola’s recent remarks suggesting City may finally be considering moving on from one of his most trusted veterans.
Although Abdukodir Khusanov is set to take on a larger role at centre-back during the injury spell, City have clearly identified Guehi as their preferred January addition.
Miguel Delaney of Independent Sport reports that City are willing to do whatever is necessary to land the Palace captain before the transfer window closes.
Guehi, 25, is due to be out of contract at the end of the season, with Liverpool and Arsenal monitoring his situation in case he becomes available on a free transfer in the summer.
While the defender is thought to favour seeing out his deal and leaving Palace at the end of the campaign, City are attempting to convince both player and club that a winter move would be the best outcome for everyone.
Talks between City and Palace have already begun, with the champions ready to match rival bids, even as Palace reportedly raise their valuation well above the £35 million Liverpool had agreed last summer before that deal collapsed.
The outstanding issue is whether Guehi can be persuaded by the chance to immediately compete for major honours this season, a factor that previously helped City attract Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth midway through the current campaign.
