Man City ramp up interest in Marc Guehi amid injury concerns – reports

Manchester City are emerging as contenders to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi during the January transfer window as they assess their defensive options following a growing injury crisis.

Reports suggest City are exploring a potential move for the England centre-back after both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias picked up injuries in Sunday’s Premier League draw with Chelsea, with John Stones also currently sidelined.

City are waiting to discover the full extent of the injuries to Gvardiol and Dias before making a final decision on whether to pursue a deal this month. ‘

However, sources suggest that City’s interest in the 25-year-old has progressed and that a January move should not be ruled out.

Pep Guardiola’s defensive resources have been stretched further by the recall of academy defender Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Championship side Watford.

The 20-year-old, who made 17 appearances for the Hornets, has returned to Manchester as City look to manage their options ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League game against Brighton.

Speaking after the Chelsea draw, in which City conceded a stoppage-time equaliser, Guardiola admitted the outlook was concerning.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It doesn’t look good” for Dias and Gvardiol, adding that the pair could be sidelined “for a few weeks”.

The City manager outlined the scale of the problem facing his squad, saying: “We have a lot [of injuries]. John Stones is missing for I don’t know how many months.

“Ruben now will be out, Josko will be out. Nathan [Ake], always we know he cannot play regularly. It’s the situation – stay strong and we will find a solution. The spirit is there and will be there.”

Guehi, who has won 26 England caps, is out of contract at Crystal Palace this summer and has long been expected to leave Selhurst Park on a free transfer at the end of the season. City’s current situation could accelerate that timeline, particularly with Palace open to a sale this month to avoid losing their captain for nothing.

Several European giants, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, have registered interest in Guehi, with regulations allowing overseas clubs to agree pre-contract terms from this month. Liverpool remain keen after coming close to signing him for £35m last summer, only for Palace to withdraw from the deal late on deadline day.

Both City and Liverpool are understood to be monitoring the situation closely, whether that be a January move or a free transfer in the summer, as Palace weigh up their options amid increasing interest in one of the Premier League’s most highly rated defenders.