Man City placed on red alert as bombshell decision sparks transfer frenzy

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Manchester City transfer latest as Marc Guehi decision could spark battle with Liverpool and Real Madrid for the defender

Manchester City will be one of a clutch of clubs piqued by the news that Marc Guehi will definitely be departing Crystal Palace next year.

The England international is out of contract in 2026 and came close to joining Liverpool in the summer before the move broke down late in the window.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Guehi will not be signing a new contract. The Eagles could look to offload the 25-year-old in January to ensure they don't lose the defender for nothing, while Guehi will also be free to negotiate with overseas clubs from January 1.

Liverpool are sure to rekindle their interest while European giants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have all been linked with the former Chelsea man in recent weeks.

City would be foolish not to explore the possibility of signing Guehi, particularly with lingering fitness questions over the long-term future of John Stones, himself out of contract next summer.

Should Stones leave, Guehi looks like a potential replacement. As an English player, he would fill Stones' homegrown slot in the squad. He is used to the Premier League and has enough international experience to be unfazed by a move to the Etihad and the pressure of playing for City.

Then there is Guehi's pace, which is a big asset. The concerns around City's back four this season are primarily around a lack of speed and the loss of the recovery pace that Kyle Walker used to offer. Guehi could bring some speed back to that defensive set-up.

Whatever happens, he looks destined for a big move in 2026. He will have plenty of options next summer, when he is likely to be a starting centre-back for England in the World Cup.

Palace boss Glasner confirmed Guehi's exit this week, saying: “I think Marc has already told us that he doesn’t sign a new contract, so he will leave next year.

“The club wanted (him to stay). They offered Marc a new contract, but he said, ‘No, I want to make something different’, and that’s normal.

“And for us, it’s how we can deal with this situation. (What) is the best way to get this next step done? And that’s all about how we are talking together.”