Manchester City to rival Liverpool for Marc Guehi after transfer saga twist | OneFootball

Manchester City are preparing to rival Liverpool in the race to sign Marc Guehi as a free agent next summer.

The England international will be one of the most sought-after defenders on the market when his Crystal Palace contract expires and City’s interest threatens to set up a major transfer battle between the two Premier League giants.

Guehi was close to moving to Anfield on deadline day after Liverpool agreed a 35m deal only for Palace to pull the plug in the final hours of the window.

His situation now leaves him free to negotiate with overseas clubs from January with a host of European heavyweights monitoring developments.

Real Madrid Barcelona Bayern Munich Inter Milan and Juventus are all ready to make an approach.

Madrid in particular have a track record of signing high-level defenders on free or cut-price deals while Barcelona see the defender’s Ivorian passport as a useful asset under Spanish registration rules.

Despite the interest from abroad the strongest competition may come from within England. Liverpool remain confident of returning to the table next summer and believe their long-standing pursuit gives them an edge.

But City are understood to hold Guehi in high regard and are now preparing to make their move.

City did not attempt to rival Liverpool’s interest in the summer because it was clear Guehi either wanted Anfield or to run down his deal. That stance is expected to shift with Pep Guardiola’s side looking at defensive reinforcements as part of their long-term planning.

There will be no January exit from Selhurst Park. Guehi has reiterated his commitment to Palace for the current campaign and his conduct during the failed Liverpool move has ensured he retains the backing of the supporters.

Even so Palace face losing their captain for nothing and the level of interest ensures Guehi will be able to command a lucrative contract.

At 25 and already established for club and country he represents a rare opportunity on the free-agent market.

Chelsea have also been linked with Enzo Maresca an admirer but a return to the club where he came through the academy appears unlikely.

With City now joining Liverpool at the front of the queue the battle for Guehi’s signature looks set to dominate the next transfer window.