Pep Guardiola speaks after snatching Marc Guehi from under Liverpool's nose

Manchester City is set to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with Liverpool's hopes of landing the England international all but over as the deal nears completion

Pep Guardiola is on the verge of signing Marc Guehi(Image: Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola remained tight-lipped about Manchester City's pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi when questioned by journalists ahead of Saturday's Manchester derby.

City is poised to finalize a deal for a January transfer for Guehi, although it's still unclear what the transfer fee will be. The Blues are confident of securing the Englishman as their second acquisition of the month, following the signing of Antoine Semenyo.

Guehi's contract expires in the summer, and the 25-year-old has no intention of penning fresh terms at Selhurst Park. Liverpool nearly landed his signature last summer before the transfer collapsed in the dying hours of the transfer window.

Arne Slot and his colleagues have once more been touted as potential suitors, alongside Arsenal and Bayern Munich. However, City has approved a substantial deal this month despite Guehi becoming a free agent at the season's end.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner acknowledged that a deal was nearing completion in his press conference on Friday: "My latest understanding is the deal for Marc is in the final stages.

“I cannot confirm the club's (latest). It’s not done. But the result is Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us.

Guehi is heading to Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)

"I mentioned it a few weeks ago. I was pretty clear.

"Every player, depending on their contract situation, there is a price where the club say they want to do it.

“When a player says they want to move, a deal happens. It looks like it happens now.

"Everybody wants Marc to stay forever, Crystal Palace captain, and playing, but the reality is different."

City has ramped up its pursuit following a defensive injury crisis that has seen both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol sidelined, adding to John Stones' ongoing absence from the treatment table.

This forced the Blues to bring back Max Alleyne from his Championship loan spell at Watford, with the 20-year-old starting the last two City fixtures alongside Abdukodir Khusanov in a partnership that may well continue at Manchester United this weekend.

When quizzed about Guehi during Friday afternoon's press conference, Guardiola simply responded: "Nothing to say."

Asked how challenging the defensive injury problems are proving for City at present, the manager added: "Without John, without Ruben, without Josko, we are in a difficult situation for a long period. Ruben will be back soon. John, hopefully, we will see."