Manchester City is reportedly on the verge of securing the signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, beating out competition from Liverpool and other top clubs. The deal is said to be in its final stages, with City manager Pep Guardiola keen to reinforce his defensive options due to an injury crisis.

Several key defenders, including Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones, have been sidelined, prompting City to act swiftly in the January transfer window. They have already signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £64 million, signaling their intent to invest heavily this month.

Guehi, 25, has been a standout performer for Crystal Palace, attracting interest from several top clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich. With only six months remaining on his Crystal Palace contract, Guehi has made it clear he will not sign a new deal. A move to Liverpool previously fell through on deadline day of the summer window.

Manchester City have moved to the front of the queue, pushing hard to complete a deal reportedly worth over £30 million. Some reports suggest City may pay as little as £20 million for the England international. The agreement is expected to significantly bolster City's chances of winning the Premier League title.

Liverpool, who had agreed to sign Guehi for £35 million in September, have decided not to rival City's move. Despite missing out on Guehi, Liverpool are expected to prioritize signing a senior center-back in the summer, especially with uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate's contract. They have already secured three young defenders for their U21 squad.

Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner has confirmed that the deal is in its final stages. The move to Manchester City is a significant one for Guehi, who at 25 years old, is entering a pivotal stage in his career. Manchester City have offered Guehi a contract that reflects what he could have earned in the summer as a free agent.