Crystal Palace tipped to agree ‘expensive’ Marc Guehi transfer in January, ‘six clubs are interested’
Crystal Palace have been tipped to cash in on captain Marc Guehi in January rather than losing him on a free.
Guehi’s summer move to Liverpool was blocked at the last moment by Palace, who were unable to get a replacement in for the centre-back.
Arne Slot’s side now face competition from the likes of Manchester City to secure the defender’s signature.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Guehi could leave on a free transfer in the summer if he is not sold in January.
Six-team race expected for Marc Guehi
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Crystal Palace will sell Guehi in January to ensure they get some sort of financial benefit from his departure.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that there will be an auction for the England international.
As well as Liverpool and City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Guehi.
Wyness added that there could be up to six teams in the race for the highly-rated centre-back.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “We all know there’s going to be a lot of competition in January to try and get him. He can sign a pre-contract as of 1 January, so there’ll be a lot of offers coming in to him personally, and they’ll be trying to save money on any transfer fee.
“I think Palace would need something to be persuaded to let him go early. So it’s a case of what is he worth for six months? Now Palace are in Europe as well as in the Premier League, and that can mean a lot to a club in terms of valuation.
“So let’s see what he gets offered, but I think there’ll be an auction. I think there could be four, five or even six clubs that would be interested. It’s going to be expensive to get him out in January, but it’ll have to be done if you want him.
“He’s a great player, and certainly this season, his performances have been excellent. He’s been a big part of Palace’s unbeaten run. I think Palace may lose him, but I think they’ll get something back for him rather than just going on a free.”
Liverpool prepare Marc Guehi alternative
Meanwhile, Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo as a potential alternative to Guehi.
The defender has reportedly already had discussions with the Merseyside club.
Liverpool could be forced to spend big to bring Guehi in during the January transfer window, and are now exploring alternative options in case a deal for the England international is unrealistic.
However, for now, the Palace captain is still the top priority for the Reds.
For more Crystal Palace and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.