Man City look to poach top Liverpool target as Pep Guardiola gears up for hectic end to window

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Marc Guehi is being targeted by Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona this summer and is now on the radar of Manchester City, who are ready to move for the Crystal Palace defender if they sell others

Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola could be set to fight it out for Marc Guehi's signature(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester City are considering entering the race for Marc Guehi – but only if centre-backs Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake depart this week.

The Crystal Palace central defender is already being pursued by Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona, with just 12 months left on his current deal.

The Daily Star Sunday has revealed that the England international, 25, is under consideration at the Etihad Stadium as a potential £35million acquisition, should Pep Guardiola lose both Akanji and Ake from his squad following their 2-0 home defeat to Spurs.

Turkish giants Galatasaray are pursuing Akanji, 30, whilst Ake, also 30, has emerged as a target for Everton, who have already secured Jack Grealish on loan from City.

Should both defenders exit before the transfer window closes a week on Monday, City's pursuit of Guehi would intensify significantly.

Such a move would pit City against Liverpool, who have been leading the chase for the Palace star. Guardiola is keen to streamline his squad and wouldn't be lacking alternatives if both Akanji and Ake departed, with the pacey Guehi viewed as possessing significant long-term potential.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

The Catalan tactician omitted Ilkay Gundogan, also wanted by Galatasaray, and Akanji from Saturday's matchday squad. 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."

Guardiola declined to criticise goalkeeper James Trafford, whose mistake enabled Joao Palhinha to double the lead following Brennan Johnson's opening goal.

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.

Pep Guardiola was frustrated during Man City's 2-0 home loss to Spurs(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

"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."