Manchester United have been linked with a number of centre-backs this season amid a defensive injury crisis. A number of the current defenders are either past it or not good enough, so changes are expected in the coming months.
Crystal Palace are preparing a list of centre-back targets ahead of the summer transfer window, with The Telegraph stating that it’s another sign that United target Marc Guehi is likely to leave Selhurst Park.
The England international is expected to be one of the Premier League’s most in-demand players this summer, when he will have just two years remaining on his Palace contract. It presents Palace one last chance to sell the 23-year-old defender for a significant fee, otherwise they risk losing him for less or, even worse, free!
Palace signed Guehi from Chelsea, for £18 million, in the summer of 2021.
With reports suggesting that Palace are already compiling a list of centre-backs, it is the biggest hint yet that the Eagles are preparing for life without Guehi.
The Telegraph also state that Guehi will cost more than the £50 million fee that took Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Palace to United in 2019.
United could rival Liverpool in a race to sign Guehi, while the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham have previously expressed an interest securing his signature.
It is understood that proposed sporting director Dan Ashworth is an admirer of Guehi, so United’s interest may depend on whether his is hired in time for the summer transfer window.
Furthermore, United have been linked with Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman, who may be hired as Head of Recruitment in the future.
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