6 days ago
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Manchester United has been encouraged to move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and pip Liverpool to his signature.
The England international's future was a major talking point during the summer window, with a move to Anfield coming close to completion before collapsing at the last moment. Guehi remained at Selhurst Park, but with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign and an extension appearing doubtful, his exit from Palace looks certain.
A host of clubs are now reportedly circling, eager to snap him up either on a free transfer next summer or for a reduced fee in January. While United made four new signings this summer, it failed to strengthen its center-back options.
Former Red Devils striker Louis Saha has now explained why he thinks Rúben Amorim's side should pursue Guehi in the next window, beating their bitter rivals to the punch.
"Marc Guehi is definitely a top player and a leader. I love him as a player," Saha told BetVictor. "It's simple: if Man Utd can hijack the deal to Liverpool, even by paying more than his market price, do it. I think he's a terrific player. I really like his consistency and the security he provides.
"I also appreciate his communication, he's a very reliable player. He will undoubtedly be part of a huge team and play for significant stakes in the future."
In the summer of 2024, United opted to strengthen their center-back options by bringing in both Leny Yoro and Matthijs De Ligt, while also securing the services of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.
Harry Maguire's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, whilst Lisandro Martinez continues his recovery from a lengthy knee injury.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, the current Premier League champions, are grappling with a string of four consecutive Premier League losses and have been dealt several blows in their defensive line-up.
Giovanni Leoni is anticipated to be out for most of the season due to a knee injury, leaving Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez as the only senior center-backs available in their squad.
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Palace boss Oliver Glasner revealed recently that Guehi had confirmed his intentions to leave the club this summer.
"I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year," Glasner said. "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."
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