Man Utd plot big transfer for ex-Chelsea star
Suraj Radia
- 14 Oct 2023 15:44 BST
- 4 min read
Manchester United have already sounded out potential candidates to solve their defensive woes, with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi the latest player who has attracted the attention of Erik ten Hag’s side.
United have conceded 19 goals in their last ten games across all competitions and have just three clean sheets all season – a stark contrast to last season where David de Gea won the golden glove while his side had the third-best defence in the Premier League.
While the decline could be in part down to the decision to replace De Gea with Andre Onana, who has had a difficult start to his career in Manchester, United have struggled to field a consistent defence due to injuries across their back line.
UNEASY: 'I would be scared to play with Onana' claims ex-Premier League striker
Ten Hag was desperate to sign a defender this summer but the failure to sell Harry Maguire limited the funds available to him and United will now look to prioritise strengthening at centre-back in the coming transfer windows.
South London Press claim that Guehi is being tracked by United and that the Red Devils could look to make a summer play to bring the 23-year-old to Old Trafford.
However, the report states that any potential deal would likely surpass the £50 million club-record sale Palace made when Aaron Wan-Bissaka joined United in 2019, while the Carabao Cup holders would likely face competition for Guehi’s signature.
Guehi attracting interest after impressing for Palace
Guehi has been a revelation for Palace since his £18m transfer from Chelsea in 2021, with his consistent form leading to him breaking into the England set-up last year.
Chelsea are understood to retain a sell-on percentage if Palace were to cash in on Guehi, although they are believed to have the option to match any bids accepted for the defender despite not having a clear buy-back clause.
Guehi still has three years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, meaning the Eagles have no incentive to sell on the cheap, particularly with long-term interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle along with United.
Casually playing out from the back.
Ft. Marc Guéhi 😍 pic.twitter.com/eNWkKMuOOG— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 10, 2023
For United, Guehi will likely represent one of many options being considered, with summer targets Jean-Clair Todibo and Edmond Tapsoba still admired by the club as well as Benfica’s Antonio Silva.
RIVALS: Man Utd could face Premier League competition for defensive target
Guehi has missed just four Premier League games since joining Palace, with his availability a likely selling point for United, who have seen the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane suffer significant injuries in recent times.
