Manchester City could rival Liverpool in the race to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi next year, according to The Times.
The Etihad Stadium side have reportedly identified the England international as a leading target as they prepare for an overhaul of their defence at the end of the season.
Guehi is out of contract in June and remains a target for a host of Premier League and European clubs, including Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old came close to joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day before Palace called off the move, as they were unable to sign a replacement in time.
Man City Eyeing Move for Marc Guehi
marc guehi
According to The Times, Man City have monitored Guehi closely ahead of the January transfer window, during which the centre-back could finally leave Palace.
The Selhurst Park chiefs have reportedly not ruled out selling the 25-year-old next month, as it will be their last opportunity to cash in on the ‘world-class’ defender before his contract runs out.
Man City view Guehi as a potential replacement for John Stones, whose contract also runs for just six more months.
Whether Stones will be offered a new deal will reportedly largely depend on whether he can maintain consistent fitness following several injury-hit seasons.
Guehi has remained a key player for Palace this season, featuring in all but one of their Premier League games, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
Liverpool eye Guehi as a direct replacement for out-of-contract Ibrahima Konate, whose performances have been a point of concern for Arne Slot.
The Frenchman has been a shadow of his former self this season and saw long-standing admirers Real Madrid end their interest as a result.
Los Blancos have informed Liverpool they will not be pursuing Konate ahead of his contract expiry, although several other European clubs remain keen on the defender.
Liverpool Remain Keen on Semenyo
Bournemouth's Antoine SemenyoAction Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
After spending over £450m on new signings during the summer transfer window, Liverpool show no signs of slowing down in the market ahead of January.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano, the Reds could target a move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo and remain attentive to his situation on the Dorset coast.
Semenyo can leave Bournemouth in January via a £65m release clause, with several clubs on alert for the Ghanaian winger.