Marc Guehi transfer news: Manchester City agree £20m fee for Crystal Palace defender

Manchester City have agreed to pay an initial £20m for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.

There is also a percentage sell-on clause inserted into the deal.

Advanced discussions remain ongoing about the finer points of the transfer agreement.

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed Guehi “was in the final stages” of a transfer and would not play at Sunderland on Saturday.

Sky Sports News reported earlier this week that City were the only club seemingly prepared to do a deal for Guehi in this window and Pep Guardiola’s side have stepped up their interest in the last 24 hours.

Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Arsenal are among the clubs that have been interested in signing Guehi on a free transfer in the summer. And it means City would have to make an attractive offer for Palace and Guehi to be willing to make a transfer now.

Guehi nearly joined Liverpool last summer in a £35m deal, but a move collapsed on Deadline Day.

Pep Guardiola said he had “nothing to say” on Guehi when asked in his press conference on Friday ahead of Man City’s trip to Manchester United on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.

Glasner said: “My latest understanding is that a deal with Marc is in the final stages. I can’t confirm a club, because it’s still not done but it’s in the final stages.

“The result is that Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us.”

Pep on City’s defensive issues: ‘It’s a difficult situation’

City’s interest in signing a central defender has intensified with Guardiola currently without senior centre-backs John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol due to injury, while Nathan Ake has struggled to play more than once a week due to fitness issues.

The inexperienced duo of Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne, who has been recalled from a loan at Sky Bet Championship club Watford, have started the last three games.

City’s move underlines how serious their defensive issues have become with Stones and Ake particularly facing uncertain futures beyond this season.

On City’s defensive problems, Guardiola added: “Without John [Stones], Ruben [Dias], Josko [Gvardiol], we are in a difficult situation not for one game but a long period.

“It’s a difficult situation.

“Ruben will be back soon, Josko no, John hopefully, we’ll see.”

Analysis: Guehi could slot straight in for Man City

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

The most important thing Guehi could offer Manchester City, at least in the short term, is availability. He has started 32 out of 34 games this season. Only 10 outfield players have played more Premier League minutes since the start of last term.

He appears in perfect condition to slot straight into Guardiola’s backline and provide some much-needed experience after injuries left the City boss with a centre-back pairing of 20-year-old Alleyne and 21-year-old Khusanov.

But Guehi would not just be a short-term signing. He is a 25-year-old with his peak years ahead of him and a lengthy list of suitors which reflects his quality.

Guehi has flourished over the course of his time at Palace, playing a key role in the club’s FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs and establishing himself as England’s most important centre-back as well as one of the Premier League’s best.

Outstanding defensively, strong in the duel and with pace to cover large spaces, Guehi is also assured on the ball, with the versatility to play in different systems. He even offers a growing threat from set-pieces, having contributed five goals and four assists in the Premier League across the last two seasons.

It makes for an enticing package. Guehi could provide immediate cover amid City’s injuries – and strengthen the side for the future as well as the present.