Manchester City have agreed to pay an initial £20m for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with a sell-on clause also part of the deal. Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed the transfer is in its "final stages," meaning Guehi will miss Saturday's match. City are the only club prepared to do business in this window.

City's defensive crisis, with John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol injured, has forced Pep Guardiola's hand. The club's interest intensified over the last 24 hours. Guehi, 25, has started 32 of 34 league games this season and offers immediate experience to a backline currently relying on inexperienced youngsters.

Guehi nearly joined Liverpool last summer for £35m before a deadline-day collapse. His availability is key for City's short-term needs, but he also represents a long-term investment. The move underlines Guardiola's urgency to address a defensive situation he described as "difficult" ahead of a crucial period.