Manchester City centre-back Josko Gvardiol has broken his right foot and the club are currently discussing whether to enter the transfer market with Crystal Palace’s Marc Göch a player of long-term interest.
Gvardiol suffered a tibia injury in the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.
The defender is scheduled to undergo surgery later this week, but it is currently unclear how long he will be out.
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After Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, manager Pep Guardiola said the injury situations of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol “do not look good” and said he did not know whether that meant the club would enter the transfer market to sign replacements.
Ruben Dias was also forced off with an injury in the game against Chelsea, and John Stones is already sidelined, meaning City are short on centre-backs.
They have already recalled 20-year-old Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Watford, but there will be talks to bring forward plans to sign a new centre-back in the summer.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Gehi is in the spotlight
Guehi’s contract expires at the end of this season, and City were expected to target him on a free transfer. However, City could still enter the fray this month if they do decide to enter the market now.
Sky Sports News reported in December that Palace believed Liverpool could try to sign him in this transfer window.
Palace are yet to receive a formal approach for the England international, but Bayern Munich and Barcelona have also expressed interest and are preparing to make an offer.
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According to Spanish reports, Real Madrid have long been keen on the player, but their interest may be waning.
Palace are expected to consider a lower offer than last summer’s asking price in January.
Guehi almost signed for Liverpool for £35m on deadline day last summer.
Guehi remains committed to Palace and no decision has been made yet on whether he will leave this month.
