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Manchester City is reportedly preparing to challenge Liverpool in the race to sign Marc Guehi on a free transfer next summer. This could potentially spark a massive transfer battle between two of the Premier League's top clubs for the England defender.
Guehi, 25, was close to a $48M (£35m) move to Liverpool on deadline day, but the deal fell through at the last minute when Crystal Palace decided against it. This has opened up opportunities for other clubs as Guehi will be out of contract next summer.
This situation has caught the attention of several big European clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Juventus. However, there is also a strong possibility that he might stay in the Premier League as Liverpool is expected to renew its interest next summer and believes it has an upper hand in securing Guehi's signature.
However, the Reds now face serious competition from Manchester City who is known to admire the talented center-back, reports the Mirror.
It was evident during the last transfer window that Guehi had made up his mind to either join Liverpool or see out his contract and move on a free transfer next summer.
As a result, City did not compete with Liverpool's interest during the last window, but this is likely to change next summer.
There is no chance of Guehi moving in January as he has reaffirmed his commitment to Palace for this season and the fans have shown him immense support due to his professional conduct throughout the transfer saga.
However, Guehi's potential for a more lucrative contract is heightened as clubs scramble for his signature, given the rarity of a player of his calibre and age moving on a free transfer.
Chelsea have also been linked with Guehi, with Enzo Maresca being a known admirer, but it seems highly unlikely he would return to the club where he began his career in the academy ranks.
Yet, there is significant interest from overseas. Real Madrid, known for splashing out on forwards and securing defenders on budget or free deals like they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold, are reportedly keen.
Barcelona are also said to be interested, and Guehi's Ivorian passport, which qualifies him as an EU player in Spain, makes him an even more appealing prospect for the La Liga titans.
Bayern Munich, having made a hugely successful signing in Harry Kane, are also believed to be interested and would see Guehi as a brilliant deal on a free.
Foreign clubs can initiate talks with Guehi from 1 January and secure a pre-contract agreement, potentially giving them an edge over Premier League teams.
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