Manchester City are confident they have outmanoeuvred arch-rivals Liverpool in the race to sign England star Marc Guehi. Both clubs have been locked in negotiations with the Crystal Palace defender, with Liverpool nearly securing his signature last summer.
However, a deal fell through, providing an opportunity for City manager Pep Guardiola to swoop in for the 25-year-old. City are optimistic about finalising a £30m deal in the coming days. Guardiola is eager to bolster his defence following injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias. The Spanish manager's pressing need for reinforcements led him to urge Etihad chiefs to agree on a fee with their counterparts at Palace.
Guehi's contract expires in June, and several of Europe's top clubs have been eyeing a free transfer in the summer. These include Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan, with Guehi eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club this month.
However, City seem to have outpaced all competitors by offering Palace a sum they can't refuse. Guehi, for his part, is keen to play under Guardiola.
Guehi's potential arrival at City could spell trouble for his England colleague John Stones. Stones' contract expires at the end of this season, and he had hoped to extend his stay at the Etihad.
However, no agreement has been reached, with Guardiola expressing concerns over the centre-back's fitness issues.
Stones, set to turn 32 in May, has been limited to a mere seven league games this season due to injuries. He is aware that he could drop down the priority list if City manage to sign his Three Lions colleague.
Guehi played a pivotal role in Palace's 12th place finish in the Premier League last season and their FA Cup victory, ensuring a spot in Europe.