Man City plot early Palace raid to beat Liverpool & Real Madrid to Guehi | OneFootball

Manchester City are stepping up their interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as their defensive injury problems deepen.

City are assessing options in the winter transfer window after both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were injured during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

John Stones is also sidelined, leaving Pep Guardiola short of senior centre-back options at a critical stage of the season.

City are waiting on full medical assessments for Gvardiol and Dias before deciding whether to formalise a move, but internal discussions have already advanced.

Guardiola admitted after the Chelsea game that the outlook for his defence ‘does not look good’ and suggested multiple absences could last several weeks.

With Nathan Ake struggling to stay fit consistently, City’s depth at the back has been stretched to its limits.

That context has sharpened their focus on Guehi, who is viewed as both an immediate solution and a long-term asset.

The 25-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders and is a key figure for both club and country.

Guehi has won 26 England caps and captains Palace, underlining his leadership credentials.

His contract situation has made him an attractive option, with his current deal due to expire in the summer.

Palace have long anticipated losing their captain on a free transfer at the end of the season.

However, City’s injury crisis has opened the possibility of an earlier exit if a suitable offer arrives this month.

Several major European clubs have monitored Guehi’s situation closely, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid.

Regulations allow him to agree a pre-contract with an overseas club from this month, adding further pressure on Palace’s position.

Liverpool remain strong admirers after coming close to signing him for around £35 million last summer before Palace pulled out late on deadline day.

City and Liverpool are understood to be weighing up whether to move now rather than wait for a free transfer.

Palace may be open to a January sale to avoid losing their captain for nothing, although they are under no obligation to rush a decision.

City have also recalled young defender Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Watford to bolster short-term depth.

The 20-year-old made 17 Championship appearances and could be included in the squad for Wednesday’s league match against Brighton & Hove Albion.

That recall underlines the urgency of City’s situation, even as they weigh a more significant move in the market.