Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as they seek to address a defensive crisis, according to reports on Friday.
The 25-year-old England international was close to joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day in September before the move collapsed. Other clubs, including Liverpool again and Bayern Munich, had been monitoring Guehi with a view to a possible move at the end of the season, when he was due to become a free agent.
Sky Sports reported that the deal is now in its final stages.
City manager Pep Guardiola declined to comment on the reported transfer when asked on the eve of his side’s Premier League clash against Manchester United, insisting he had “nothing to say” on the matter.
Guehi captained Crystal Palace to FA Cup success against City in May and has earned 26 caps for England.
Guardiola has acknowledged that City are facing serious defensive challenges, with several key players sidelined.
“Without John (Stones), without Ruben (Dias), without Josko (Gvardiol), we are in a difficult situation for not one game but a long, long period,” he said.
“It’s a difficult situation. Ruben will be back soon. Josko, no. John, hopefully we’ll see.”
Manchester City are currently second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
