Pep Guardiola sees double benefit with Marc Guehi transfer - 'really important'

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is delighted to have signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is thrilled to capture the signature of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and believes he can become a bedrock for the Blues for many years to come.

City completed the £20million Guehi transfer on Monday afternoon and while he is not able to play against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday, he could make his debut in the Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday.

And Guardiola is thrilled to have won the race for the 25-year-old England international, who had interest from a host of top clubs and came close to joining Liverpool last summer before Palace blocked the move. The City chief believes Guehi can slot in straightaway and help City navigate a defensive injury crisis, as well as become an important player for the future.

"He's a top central defender playing with the national team," said Guardiola. "Thanks to the club to bring him here. He has the perfect age for many years and can play right, left. I know how he wanted to choose us and help with the problems that we have in the back in the next few months so it's really important that he's here."

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City accelerated their interest in Guehi due to a defensive injury crisis that has seen Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol pick up injuries to join John Stones on the treatment table. That prompted the Blues to recall Max Alleyne from a loan spell at Championship club Watford

Talks between City and Palace accelerated earlier last week but Guardiola has admired Guehi from afar for a couple of seasons. He likes Guehi's calmness in possession, ability to bring the ball out of defence and his dedication to being the best footballer he can be.

The Catalan also identified Guehi as the long-term replacement for John Stones. Guehi had his pick of around six clubs, including Bayern Munich and Inter Milan but once Guardiola's interest became known to him, his mind was made up.