Marc Guehi in ‘final stages’ of completing switch to Man City – Oliver Glasner

By Andy Hampson and Jim van Wijk, Press Association

Manchester City are in the “final stages” of completing a deal for England defender Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has said at a press conference.

City have stepped up their pursuit of the 25-year-old, who came close to joining Liverpool last summer, after being hit with an injury crisis at centre-half.

Guehi would become City’s second signing of the January transfer window after their capture of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth last week.

Glasner, who also confirmed his own departure at the end of the season, told reporters ahead of the Premier League trip to Sunderland: “Latest understanding, the deal with Marc is in the final stages.

“We can’t confirm, but it is not done. The result is Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us.

“When the players want to move on a deal will happen. It looks like it has happened now.

“Everyone wanted Marc to stay forever. I talked to him, of course, it stays between us. Marc showed it in the summer transfer window, showed it the whole autumn that he was 100 per cent committed to the team and to Crystal Palace.

“I wish him all the best for the rest of his career. He is still at the beginning of his great career. He is a fantastic guy.”

City are currently without senior centre-backs John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol due to injury while Nathan Ake has struggled to play more than once a week due to fitness issues.

The inexperienced duo of Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne, who has been recalled from a loan at Sky Bet Championship club Watford, have started the last three games.

Guehi is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and would have been available on a free transfer in the summer.

City’s move underlines how serious their defensive issues have become with Stones and Ake particularly facing uncertain futures beyond this season.

Liverpool made a late move for Guehi last summer, reportedly offering £35million, but that bid collapsed on deadline day.

City manager Pep Guardiola said he had “nothing to say” on the matter when asked at his own press conference to preview his side’s derby clash at Manchester United on Saturday.

On general defensive issues, he said: “Without John, without Ruben, without Josko we are in a difficult situation for a long period. Ruben will be back soon, Josko no, John – hopefully. We will see.”

Asked if Khusanov and Alleyne, aged 21 and 20 respectively, were ready for the challenge of playing at Old Trafford, he said: “I hope so.”

The derby comes as City continue to challenge in four competitions but trail Arsenal by six points at the top of the Premier League.

Guardiola’s planning may have been affected by recent changes at United which have seen head coach Ruben Amorim sacked and Michael Carrick take over as interim boss.

Guardiola said: “If you don’t have more information of the opponent, you focus on yourself and the players.”