Liverpool must act fast or face the reality of missing out on Marc Guehi in 2026.

The Reds were on the verge of signing the Crystal Palace captain last summer, but a sudden change of heart from the Eagles meant a deal collapsed on deadline day.

There had been an expectation that Liverpool may return for Guehi in January after seeing Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury.

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Marc Guehi pictured at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup quarter-final against ArsenalCredit: Molly Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

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However, as the winter window has progressed it has become clear that Manchester City are the most likely destination for Guehi this month.

And as Liverpool sit back and do nothing, journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that City are now advancing on a deal for the England international.

Man City move closer to signing Marc Guehi

Only last week it had been claimed that Guehi would prefer to join Liverpool over Man City, a suggestion which eased Reds’ supporters’ fears a little.

However, Romano reignited them on Friday, breaking news that a breakthrough has been made in the transfer.

Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace celebrates following the team's victory during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Brentford at Selhurst Park.Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images

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“Manchester City advance on Marc Guehi deal as big approach has been made in the last 12h,” Romano posted on X.

“Manchester City presented important proposal to Guehi in terms of contract, eventually ready to proceed also with Crystal Palace.

“Deal now closer with MCFC.”

You’ve got £80m to fix Liverpool’s midfield this summer, who are you buying?

Elliot Anderson applauds after Nottingham Forest's Premier League match against Manchester United at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington).
Adam Wharton pictured playing for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park (Credit: Getty Images/Jacques Feeney/Offside).
Warren Zaire-Emery looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between PSG and VfB Stuttgart at Stuttgart Arena (Credit: Getty Images/Aurelien Meunier/PSG).
Sandro Tonali pictured in action during Newcastle United's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Manchester City at St James' Park (Credit: Getty Images/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto).Photo Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington/Jacques Feeney/Offside/Aurelien Meunier/PSG/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto

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Liverpool must rival Man City for Guehi

Although it has been clear for some time that Liverpool do not intend to pursue Guehi during the current window, City’s advancing interest has to change things.

The Reds are badly in need of cover at centre-back and it is abundantly obvious that the Palace skipper was their top choice to provide it.

Romano has not revealed the details in terms of cost of City’s move, but it is unlikely to be more than Liverpool agreed with Palace in September.

Though they will perhaps no longer see this as value for a player who they can get for nothing in six months’ time, there is now a big decision to make in the Liverpool boardroom.

They’re going to have to make it quick, or City will be out of sight and a long-standing target will have slipped from their grasp.

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