Pep Guardiola and Liverpool on collision course over £35m transfer as late exodus awaits

Manchester City are weighing up a swoop for Marc Guehi – but only if centre-backs Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake depart this week. Crystal Palace star Guehi is already being tracked by Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona with just 12 months left on his deal.

The Daily Star Sunday understands the England international, 25, is on City's radar as a potential £35million signing should Pep Guardiola lose both defenders from his ranks following their 2-0 home defeat to Spurs.

Turkish giants Galatasaray are keen on Akanji, 30, whilst Ake, also 30, is wanted by Everton, who have already secured Jack Grealish on loan from the Etihad outfit.

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Should both players exit before the window closes a week on Monday, it would intensify City's pursuit of Guehi. That scenario would pit City against Arne Slot's Liverpool, who have been frontrunners in the chase for the Palace ace.

Guardiola is looking to streamline his squad and wouldn't be lacking alternatives if both Akanji and Ake move on, with the rapid Guehi viewed as offering long-term potential.

The City boss omitted both Ilkay Gundogan, another Galatasaray target, and Akanji from Saturday's matchday squad. However, he insisted: "I had to leave Rodri and Phil Foden out last week as we have many players.

"I must rotate. The next games it will be others who are left out. It is not more serious than that." The Catalan declined to criticise goalkeeper James Trafford, whose blunder allowed Joao Palhinha to double the lead after Brennan Johnson's opener.

Guardiola said: "James made a good first game last week and I decided to continue with him. When I take decisions early in the season people think this is the line-up. It was today I decided and it is what it is. We missed the simple things today but the effort and running was extraordinary and I have no doubts.

"We had a good pre-season and when we won at Wolves last week everyone said everything was fine. But I said last week we still work to do – and it's the same after this defeat.

"We have to improve. Step by step until we make it click and make the good connections. Now we have seven days rest and then Brighton before the international break."

The defeat to Thomas Frank's side meant Guardiola has now lost 10 times to the north London side, the joint-most defeats he's suffered against one club with Spurs now tied with Liverpool.

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