Marc Guehi remains content at Crystal Palace and is not expected to force through a January departure despite his anticipated exit at the end of the campaign.
This follows Crystal Palace’s embarrassing FA Cup loss to sixth-tier Macclesfield, just seven months after lifting the trophy against Man City.
As disclosed on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, renewed interest from clubs such as Man City and Liverpool is unlikely to sway the 25-year-old this month, with a summer departure still viewed as the most likely scenario.
Pep Guardiola’s side have weighed up intensifying their pursuit of the England international in January, even though Oliver Glasner is keen to avoid losing his captain midway through the season.
However, Football Insider reported on 10 January that Crystal Palace could be prepared to sanction a sale should they receive an offer too lucrative to ignore.
Marc Guehi makes fresh Crystal Palace exit decision:
Football Insider revealed last month that Guehi will not agitate for a January exit regardless of the level of interest in securing his services.
Instead, he is expected to remain at Selhurst Park until the end of the season, where he will play a pivotal role in any success the Eagles achieve, with the Conference League firmly within reach.
Despite a dip in form during a hectic winter schedule, Palace are determined to retain their top players, while there is no urgency to finalise a deal immediately.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “If the price is right, Palace could end up selling Marc Guehi, because we all know that they’re going to lose out if nothing happens.
“We know Oliver Glasner is determined to keep hold of Guehi, he’s such a key man for him, he’s the club captain as well.
“Marc Guehi is in total control here of his future.
“If he wants to stay at Palace until the end of the season and wait to see what’s on offer as a free agent, he’s more than able to do that.
“Crystal Palace have resigned themselves to that as well, they’re happy to keep him and let him walk out on a free as well.
“I don’t think Guehi is in any rush to make a decision on his future, he’s happy to wait until the summer.”
Who is the front-runner to sign Guehi this summer? Should Guehi stay at Selhurst Park as anticipated, there is no lack of interest from Europe’s top clubs in his signature.
Man City’s admiration has become increasingly evident in recent weeks, while Liverpool remain optimistic about tempting him to Anfield, with Arsenal also entering the chase.
Meanwhile, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Real Madrid could step up their pursuit of Guehi amid ongoing defensive issues.
Real Madrid are now free to open discussions with Guehi and his representatives over a pre-contract agreement that would see him arrive on a free transfer once his contract expires.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich remain strong suitors for the England international, but Xabi Alonso’s side are eager to fend off competition from their rivals.