Man United may need to pay over £65 million for Marc Guehi

Manchester United are keeping tabs on a number of central defenders this summer with Erik ten Hag prioritising an addition at the back after Raphael Varane’s departure.

The Red Devils are in need of a long-term option, who can partner with Lisandro Martinez in defence, and in recent weeks, Marc Guehi’s name has been mooted.

He enjoyed a superb campaign with Crystal Palace that earned him a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad, where he also starred and helped the team get off to a winning start against Serbia.

The 23-year-old has been tipped to make a move to one of the Premier League’s bigger clubs with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also interested in his services.

Though Crystal Palace are keen on retaining him and are plotting contract talks once the Euro ends, they remain fearful that Guehi would prefer joining a greener pasture this year itself.

And consequently, The Telegraph has reported that the English international’s asking price will be set at over £65 million, which puts him in the same bracket as Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite has already agreed personal terms with Man United, but Everton’s asking price of £70 million is turning out to be a deterrent in the club’s bid to close out a deal.

It is starting to look apparent that Manchester United will need to spend nearly half of their £140 million transfer kitty on a centre-back this season if the position is in fact their priority.

Gonzalo Inacio, who has a £51 million release clause, is likely to be Liverpool-bound whereas Leny Yoro, a relatively cheaper option is holding out for a switch to Real Madrid.

A lack of Champions League football is proving to be a hindrance in Manchester United’s bid to sign fresher faces, which they may need to compensate by spending more than previously anticipated.

United’s budget for the summer may receive a significant boost if Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood leave for handsome prices, to then focus on a midfielder’s and striker’s transfers.

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Guehi would be a fabulous new addition, perhaps more so than Branthwaite, thanks to his physicality and speed which helps his team hold a high defensive line.