Marc Guehi transfer twist as new exit option emerges with seven clubs eyeing Liverpool target

Manchester City are preparing to challenge Liverpool in the race to sign Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi on a free transfer next summer. This could potentially spark a massive transfer battle between two of the Premier League's top clubs for the England defender.

Guehi, 25, was close to a £35million move to Liverpool on deadline day, but the deal fell through at the last minute when Crystal Palace decided against it. With his contract set to expire next summer, this has opened the door for other clubs to express their interest.

Top European clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Juventus have all been alerted to Guehi's situation. However, the allure of staying in the Premier League is strong, with Liverpool expected to renew their interest next summer, believing they have an edge in the race to sign Guehi.

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However, they now face serious competition from Manchester City, who are big fans of the talented centre-back.

It was evident during the last transfer window that Guehi had narrowed down his options to either joining Liverpool or seeing out his contract and moving on a free next summer. As a result, City did not compete with Liverpool's interest during the last window, but this is likely to change next summer, as revealed by Mirror Football.

A January move for Guehi is off the table as he has reaffirmed his commitment to Palace for this season. The club's supporters have shown him immense support due to the way he handled himself throughout the transfer saga.

Guehi's availability on a free transfer has sparked a scramble among clubs, given the rarity of such a high-quality player being available without a transfer fee. Chelsea have been linked with Guehi, largely due to Enzo Maresca's admiration for the player, but a return to his boyhood club seems unlikely.

Interest in Guehi extends beyond the UK, with Real Madrid known for their strategy of splashing out on forwards while securing defenders on cheaper or free deals, as they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Barcelona are also keen, and Guehi's Ivorian passport, which qualifies him as an EU player in Spain, makes him an even more appealing prospect for the La Liga heavyweights.

Bayern Munich have also expressed interest, having previously made successful signings like Harry Kane, and see Guehi as a fantastic opportunity on a free transfer. Foreign clubs can begin negotiations with Guehi from 1 January, potentially securing a pre-contract agreement, giving them an edge over Premier League teams.