Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi as they seek to address a growing defensive crisis, reports said on Friday.
The 25-year-old England international had been close to joining Liverpool on deadline day in September before the move collapsed. Liverpool, along with Bayern Munich, were widely expected to renew their interest at the end of the season, when Guéhi was due to become a free agent.
However, Sky Sports reported that City have now moved ahead of their rivals, with negotiations said to be in the final stages.
City manager Pep Guardiola declined to comment when asked about the club’s interest in Guéhi ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester United, saying only that he had “nothing to say”.
Guéhi captained Crystal Palace to FA Cup success in May, defeating Manchester City in the final, and has earned 26 caps for England.
Guardiola has repeatedly highlighted City’s shortage of defenders, with several senior players sidelined by injury. The Premier League champions are currently second in the table, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
“Without John (Stones), without Rúben (Dias), without Joško (Gvardiol), we are in a difficult situation — not for one game, but for a long, long period,” Guardiola said.
“It’s a difficult situation. Rúben will be back soon. Joško, no. John, hopefully we’ll see.”
AFP
