Crystal Palace boss confirms Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City is in the “final stages” as Pep Guardiola deals with a defensive injury crisis.
MANCHESTER City are in the “final stages” of completing a deal for England defender Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said on Friday.
City have stepped up their pursuit in a deal reportedly worth £20 million after suffering an acute injury crisis at centre-back.
Guehi, who came close to joining Liverpool in September, would become City’s second January signing after winger Antoine Semenyo.
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The 25-year-old captained Palace to FA Cup success against City in May and has won 26 England caps.
Other interested clubs, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich, were understood to be targeting a move at the end of the season when Guehi was due to be a free agent.
“Latest understanding, the deal with Marc is in the final stages,” Glasner said on the eve of Palace’s Premier League match at Sunderland.
“We can’t confirm, but it is not done. The result is Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us.”
The Palace boss added that when players want to move on, a deal will happen.
“I wish him all the best for the rest of his career,” Glasner said.
City manager Pep Guardiola stressed he had “nothing to say” about the potential transfer at his own press conference.
The club are currently without senior centre-backs John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol due to injury.
Guardiola said the club were “in a difficult situation for not one game but a long, long period”.
City are also still challenging for silverware in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Glasner also said Friday he would leave Palace when his own contract expired at the end of the season. – AFP
