Guardiola faces defensive crisis as City make Marc Guehi number 1 target

Manchester City are considering a potential January move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as injuries continue to mount in Pep Guardiola’s defensive ranks, Sport360NG reports.

City are assessing their options after centre-backs Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were both forced off during Sunday’s Premier League draw with Chelsea. John Stones is also sidelined, leaving Guardiola short of experienced defensive cover.

Sources indicate City will await further medical assessments on Gvardiol and Dias before deciding whether to formalise their interest in Guehi during the current transfer window. However, there is growing belief that the club’s interest in the 25-year-old England international has advanced, and a January approach remains a realistic possibility.

As part of efforts to ease the situation, City have recalled young defender Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Championship side Watford. The 20-year-old, who made 17 appearances for the Hornets, could be included in the squad for Wednesday’s league fixture against Brighton following the early termination of his season-long loan.

Speaking after the Chelsea match, Guardiola admitted his concerns over the extent of the defensive injuries. “It doesn’t look good,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Ruben will be out, Josko will be out. John Stones is missing for I don’t know how many months. Nathan Ake cannot play regularly. We have to stay strong and find a solution.”

Guehi, who has earned 26 caps for England, is approaching the final months of his contract at Selhurst Park and has been widely expected to leave as a free agent in the summer. Several European heavyweights, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, have monitored his situation and are eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement from this month.

Liverpool also remain keen on the defender, having seen a proposed £35m move collapse late in last summer’s transfer window. Both City and Liverpool are understood to be considering a free transfer at the end of the season, although Palace may now be open to a January sale to avoid losing their captain without compensation.