Manchester City believe they have beaten Liverpool to the signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in a deal worth £30 million. Both Premier League clubs had been in extensive talks with the 25-year-old England international, but Liverpool failed to agree a fee last summer, allowing City to move ahead.
City manager Pep Guardiola has grown increasingly desperate to strengthen his defence following recent injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias. The Spaniard urged the club's hierarchy to finalise an agreement with Palace, and City are now confident of securing Guehi's signature in the coming days.
Guehi is out of contract in June, with several of Europe's top clubs – including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan – lining up to sign him on a free transfer. He is also eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs this month, but City's offer is believed to be one Palace cannot refuse, and Guehi is keen to play under Guardiola.
Guehi's arrival could spell bad news for England teammate John Stones, who is out of contract at the end of the season. Stones, 32 in May, has struggled with injuries and made only seven league appearances this term. No extension has been agreed, and Guardiola has reservations about his fitness, meaning Stones could fall down the pecking order.
