17 hours ago
58
Man City are contemplating entering the race for Marc Guehi should centre-backs Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake depart in the coming week.
Crystal Palace's central defender Guehi is already in the crosshairs of Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona and has just one year left on his deal.
The Daily Star Sunday say the England defender, 25, is now a target at the Etihad as a potential $47 million signing, should Pep Guardiola – whose side suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Spurs – lose both Akanji and Ake from his roster.
Galatasaray are pursuing Akanji, 30, whilst Ake, also 30, is in Everton's sights, having already secured Jack Grealish on loan from City. Their exits before the transfer window closes a week on Monday would intensify interest in Guehi.
This would set City on a collision path with Arne Slot's Liverpool, who have so far spearheaded the pursuit of the Palace star. Guardiola is keen to streamline his squad and wouldn't lack alternatives if both Akanji and Ake depart, with Guehi viewed as possessing long-term worth.
Guardiola omitted Ilkay Gundogan, also coveted by Galatasaray, and Akanji from his squad on Saturday. However, he explained: "I had to leave Rodri and Phil Foden out last week as we have many players.
"I must rotate. The next games it will be others who are left out. It is not more serious than that."
The 54-year-old declined to criticise goalkeeper James Trafford, whose mistake enabled Joao Palhinha to make it 2-0 following Brennan Johnson's opener.
Guardiola stated: "James made a good first game last week and I decided to continue with him. When I take decisions early in the season people think this is the line-up.
"It was today I decided and it is what it is. We missed the simple things today but the effort and running was extraordinary and I have no doubts.
"We had a good pre-season and when we won at Wolves last week everyone said everything was fine. But I said last week we still work to do – and it's the same after this defeat.
"We have to improve. Step by step until we make it click and make the good connections. Now we have seven days rest and then Brighton before the international break."
The defeat to Thomas Frank's side means Guardiola has now lost 10 games to Spurs in his career. The north London side now join Liverpool as the only two teams to claim 10 victories against the Spaniard.
English (US) ·