Real Madrid ‘step up Marc Guehi chase’, chances of Crystal Palace exit in January revealed
Real Madrid are planning to step up their efforts to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi amid rival interest from Man City and Liverpool.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Los Blancos are “big admirers” of the 25-year-old.
While it is currently seen as highly unlikely the Crystal Palace captain will leave in January unless a big bid arrives, his future come the end of the season remains up in the air.
Madrid are now able to open talks with Guehi and his agent over a pre-contract agreement which would see him join on a free transfer when his deal expires.
The likes of Liverpool and Man City remain strong contenders for the England international, but Xabi Alonso’s side are keen to beat off their rivals.
Real Madrid set sights on Marc Guehi deal
Brown first told Football Insider in September that Real Madrid have joined the race for Guehi and believe they can beat Liverpool to his signature.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Guehi could be the ideal answer to Madrid’s defensive woes.
“It will be interesting to see what happens with Marc Guehi,” he told Football Insider.
“Just from little bits I’ve heard here and there, I’m expecting Real Madrid to be one of the teams in for him, because they are big admirers.
“They’ve got a situation at Real Madrid where they need a new centre-back, and they want a ready-made one to come in and make an immediate difference.
“They don’t want somebody young and unproven, they need a difference maker.
“Guehi is a regular England international and their leading centre-back, captains a top side in the Premier League, won the FA Cup last season.
“And he’s available on a free, which is the type of deal they love to do, so it’s something that would make a lot of sense at the end of the season.
“It would also allow Palace to keep hold of him in January, which I’m told they want to do. They don’t want to weaken their squad by letting him go now.
“Obviously you’ve got clubs like Liverpool and Man City looking at him, but Real Madrid will feel they can beat any of those clubs to sign him.”
Man City could step up efforts to sign Guehi
Real Madrid are not the only contenders for Guehi in the mid-season transfer window, as Man City have now set their sights on the England star.
Injuries to both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias have forced Pep Guardiola‘s side into the market, where they feel they can exploit Crystal Palace’s situation.
There is a feeling that a significant offer could test Palace’s resolve despite their reluctance to let him leave this month, with the alternative to lose him for nothing.
Brown warned Football Insider last month that Palace have a massive decision to make over Guehi’s future as they brace for offers to arrive in January.
After Liverpool saw a £35million bid accepted during the summer, offers of a similar or higher value could force the club into a difficult decision.
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.