Manchester City prepare opening multi-million package for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City are reportedly preparing their opening financial package to submit to Crystal Palace for central defender Marc Guehi.

The development represents a significant escalation in City’s January planning following a rapid deterioration in defensive availability. Pep Guardiola’s side have been hit hard by injuries in recent days, with both Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias sustaining problems during the 1–1 draw with Chelsea.

While Guardiola initially played down mid-season defensive recruitment, subsequent reports have consistently suggested that City’s hierarchy were reviewing contingency options. As outlined previously, Guehi has long been admired, with City monitoring progress for several years and catching the attention of former sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

Crystal Palace’s stance has also seemingly softened after manager Oliver Glasner publicly admitted the club would be forced to prioritise financial considerations over sporting ones should a “massive offer” arrive and the player express a desire to leave.

Now, according to the information of Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Manchester City are ready to submit a package worth £20 million to in an attempt to lure Crystal Palace into selling Marc Guehi this month.

That proposal is said to be made up of an initial £15 million offer rising to £20 million for the England international, who notably has just six months left on his contract and is open to negotiating with clubs across Europe ahead of the summer.

The report also claims that Hugo Viana and Manchester City already have a verbal agreement in place with the 25-year-old, as they go in search of bolstering their squad ahead of the second-half of the campaign and amid serious injuries in defence.

The figures represent a notable gap between City’s valuation and Crystal Palace’s previously reported expectations, with Selhurst Park officials believed to want more than the £35 million agreed with Liverpool last summer.

However, with the risk of losing their captain for free at the end of the ongoing season, Palace may be forced to reassess their position as the window progresses. For City, should those in South London indicate a willingness to negotiate closer to City’s terms, talks could accelerate quickly.

Equally, should Crystal Palace stand firm, Manchester City may opt to hold their position and prepare to compete for Guehi on a free transfer in the summer.