Manchester United are preparing a shock move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as manager Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of Harry Maguire's expected departure.
Transfer Saga Takes New Twist
The £35 million rated England international appears set to leave Selhurst Park after Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed last month that the player would not be signing a new contract. Glasner revealed that despite the club's efforts to convince him to stay, Guehi 'wanted something different' for his future.
This leaves Crystal Palace with a crucial decision: sell their captain in the January transfer window or risk losing him for free next summer when his contract expires. The 25-year-old has become a cornerstone of the Eagles' defence, making nearly 200 appearances and leading the team to their historic FA Cup victory last season - the first major trophy in the club's history.
Liverpool's Collapsed Deal
Premier League champions Liverpool thought they had secured Guehi's signature last summer, agreeing a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace and even completing a medical with the player. However, in a dramatic late twist, Palace pulled out of the agreement on transfer deadline day after failing to secure a replacement defender.
Former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchinson believes Liverpool have 'blown their chance' to sign the centre-back. 'They've blown their chances of landing him. One million percent,' the ex-Scotland international told Sportscasting. 'They should have just paid the money.'
Hutchinson criticised Liverpool's transfer strategy, suggesting they were too focused on signing Alexander Isak while neglecting their defensive needs.
Amorim's Defensive Reshuffle
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are now monitoring Guehi's situation 'with interest' as Amorim considers his January options. The United boss is open to signing a new centre-back with Harry Maguire expected to leave Old Trafford next summer.
Although Maguire has been a reliable presence for United over the past year, talks over a new contract have made 'limited progress'. The former club captain will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs in December and has already attracted interest from several European sides.
United's defensive concerns are compounded by injury issues affecting Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven, though Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw have enjoyed impressive form.
The club isn't anticipating 'significant activity' in the January window but will move for targets if the right opportunities emerge. However, United face the challenge of being unable to offer European football to potential signings.
Guehi's credentials extend beyond club level, having established himself as a key player for England and expected to start for Thomas Tuchel's side at next summer's World Cup.
With Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also showing interest, the battle for Guehi's signature promises to be one of the winter window's most compelling stories.
