Crystal Palace name asking price as Manchester City eye January transfer for Marc Guehi | OneFootball

Manchester City will be required to sanction a significant investment to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi this month, according to new reports.

The England international has rapidly become one of the most discussed names of the January window following City’s new defensive injury crisis. With Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias sidelined after sustaining issues during the recent draw with Chelsea, City’s previously cautious stance on mid-season recruitment has been forced into reassessment.

Pep Guardiola had initially played down the likelihood of January reinforcements, despite acknowledging serious concerns over availability. However, City have since seemingly held discussions regarding potential contingency options, with Guehi emerging as the standout candidate given his Premier League pedigree, leadership qualities, and contractual situation.

Manchester City’s interest in the Crystal Palace captain is not new, with Guehi having been monitored closely for several years, dating back to scouting initiated under former sporting director Txiki Begiristain. What has perhaps changed in recent days is urgency, driven by injuries and the growing risk of being left short during a decisive phase of the season.

But according to GIVEMESPORT’s Ben Jacobs and Bobby Manzi, Crystal Palace believe keeping Marc Guehi gives them the best chance of achieving their aims of winning the Conference League and breaking their Premier League record points tally once again.

However, the report points out that those at Selhurst Park would also consider offers for the defender if they could source a replacement, with the Eagles expecting more than the £35 million agreed with Liverpool in the last summer market.

As for Manchester City, they are said to have held internal discussions over a move for Guehi this month following recent injuries in defence, but would only be interested at lower than the aforementioned £35 million fee and are yet to make a formal enquiry.

From the side of Marc Guehi, the defender himself is reportedly content to see out the season with Crystal Palace, believing consistent game time and stability at Selhurst Park will give him a strong chance of being a starter for Thomas Tuchel’s England at the upcoming World Cup.

The contrasting positions leave the deal finely balanced, with Palace remaining reluctant sellers and needing both a suitable replacement and a premium fee, while City appear unwilling to meet the valuation set for a player who could be available on a free transfer in the summer.

For City, the next steps are likely to depend on further medical assessments and how long Guardiola expects to be without his senior centre-backs. Should the injury situation deteriorate further, City may be forced to reconsider their financial stance.

In the meantime, Manchester City’s action to address defensive issues has begun with recalling 20-year-old centre-back Max Alleyne from his season-long loan spell at Watford in the Championship.