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

Manchester City have agreed an initial £20m fee for Crystal Palace centre-back Mark Gehey.

A sales percentage clause was also inserted into the contract.

Advanced discussions are still ongoing on the finer points of the transfer agreement.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Gehi is “in the final stages” of a transfer and will not play at Sunderland on Saturday.

Ski Sports News reported earlier this week that City were the only club seemingly ready to do a deal for Guehi this term, with Pep Guardiola’s side stepping up their interest in the last 24 hours.

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

Guehi almost joined Liverpool last summer in a £35m deal, but the move fell through on deadline day.

Pep Guardiola said he had “nothing to say” about Gehry when asked at a press conference on Friday ahead of the trip to Manchester United on Saturday, live on Ski Sports.

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

“The result is that Mark will not play for us tomorrow.”

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

City’s interest in bringing in a centre-back has been heightened with Guardiola currently without senior centre-backs John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Guardiola through injury, while Nathan Ake has struggled to play more than once a week due to fitness issues.

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

The move by City highlights how serious their defensive problems have become with Stones and Ake in particular facing uncertain futures beyond this season.

Regarding City’s defensive problems, Guardiola added: “Without John (Stones), Ruben (Diaz), Josko (Guardiol), we are in a difficult situation, not just for one game, but for a long time.

“It is a difficult situation.

“Ruben will be back soon, Josko not, John I hope so, we’ll see.”

Analysis: Gehi could go straight to Manchester City

Nick Wright of Ski Sports:

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

He appears perfectly fit to slot right 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 Alleine and 21-year-old Khusanov.

But Guehi wouldn’t just be a short-term signing. He is 25 years old, with prime years ahead of him and a long list of suitors that reflects his quality.

Guehi flourished during 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 the pace to cover large spaces, Guehi is also confident on the ball, with the versatility to play in different systems. He even offers an increasing threat from set-pieces, having contributed five goals and four assists in the Premier League over the past two seasons.

It makes for a tempting package. Guehi could provide immediate protection amid City’s injury woes – and strengthen the squad for the future as well as the present.