GUE-SS WHAT Man Utd boost in Marc Guehi transfer bid as Crystal Palace draw up shortlist to replace England star

Manchester United, though, are still facing a major obstacle in signing Marc Guehi this summer

Posted Wednesday, March 06, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk

CRYSTAL PALACE are preparing for Marc Guehi's potential departure in the summer with Manchester United and other Premier League giants keeping tabs.

Guehi, 23, has been among the Prem's brightest defenders since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021 following an £18million deal, which led to 108 appearances at Selhurst Park.

GUE-SS WHAT Man Utd boost in Marc Guehi transfer bid as Crystal Palace draw up shortlist to replace England star
Crystal Palace have drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements for Marc Guehi Credit: Getty

The centre-back's performances have sparked immense interest from the likes of United and Liverpool, while Tottenham and Arsenal have also enquired in the past.

And according to The Telegraph, the Eagles have compiled a list of potential candidates to replace the England international in a sign that chances of a potential departure have grown significantly.

Guehi has only two years left on his Palace contract, which means this summer may be his club's final chance to sell him for a significant fee.

The Chelsea academy graduate is reportedly worth more than the club-record £50million United splashed for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019.

The Red Devils are expected to seek for defensive reinforcement after their turbulent campaign comes to an end in May.

However, a bid for Guehi will largely depend on whether proposed sporting director Dan Ashworth is appointed in time for the summer transfer window.

Ashworth's Newcastle contract doesn't allow him to start working for another team until his deal runs out in 2026.

Therefore, the transfer expert faces an extended gardening leave unless United fork out a staggering £20m as compensation to the Magpies.

Nevertheless, the ex-Brighton chief is a big admirer of Guehi and thus much will depend on his status this summer.

The Palace star, though, is currently dealing with a knee injury he suffered last month and could be sidelined for another four weeks.

However, England manager Gareth Southgate is expected to have him at his disposal for Euro 2024.

New Palace manager Oliver Glasner is facing an uphill battle to hold onto Guehi this summer and the same goes for two of his other biggest stars in Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.