Man City hatch Marc Guehi transfer plan as Liverpool target's stance emerges

Manchester City are planning a move for Marc Guehi after the Crystal Palace defender saw a £35m deadline day move to Liverpool collapse at the last minute

Manchester City are planning to rival Liverpool for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

Manchester City are preparing to challenge Liverpool in the race to sign Marc Guehi on a free transfer next summer. It could spark a significant transfer battle between two of the Premier League's top clubs for the England defender.

Guehi, 25, was close to a £35m move to Liverpool on deadline day, but the deal fell through at the last minute when Crystal Palace pulled the plug. With his contract set to expire next summer, Guehi's availability has caught the attention of several top European clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Juventus.

However, the allure of remaining in the Premier League is strong, with Liverpool expected to renew their interest next summer. They believe they have an edge in the race to secure Guehi's signature.

But now, City have entered the fray as admirers of the talented centre-back, reports the Mirror. It was apparent during the last transfer window that Guehi had set his sights on either joining Liverpool or seeing out his contract to leave on a free next summer.

As such, City did not compete with Liverpool's interest at that stage, but that is likely to change next summer.

A January move for Guehi is off the table as he has reaffirmed his commitment to Palace for this season. The fans have shown him immense support due to his professional conduct throughout the transfer saga.

Guehi is in a strong position to negotiate a lucrative contract as clubs vie for his signature, given the rarity of a player of his calibre and age becoming available on a free transfer.

Chelsea have been linked with Guehi due to head coach Enzo Maresca's admiration for him, but it seems unlikely he would return to the club where he started his career in the academy.

However, 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 from Liverpool, are reportedly interested.

Barcelona are also said to be keen, and Guehi's Ivorian passport, which classifies him as an EU player in Spain, could make him an even more appealing prospect for the La Liga heavyweights.

Bayern Munich, having successfully signed Harry Kane, are also believed to be interested in Guehi, viewing him as a fantastic acquisition on a free transfer.

Foreign clubs can begin negotiations with Guehi from 1 January and secure a pre-contract agreement, potentially giving them an edge over Premier League teams.