BREAKING: Manchester United have now announced the arrival of a €97 million midfielder, and the rivals are fuming. Reports say they’re even considering legal action against United over how the deal went down.

 

Manchester United are gearing up to crash Liverpool’s chase for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, with Palace placing roughly a £40 million tag on their defender. Word around the block is that United are watching things closely as they try to strengthen their squad before January rolls around.

 

But their ability to actually go for Guéhi might hinge on what happens with Harry Maguire. The former skipper has dropped down Erik ten Hag’s priority list, and with a few Premier League sides eyeing him, United are willing to let him go if the right bid appears. Moving him on would clear both cash and space for a new face at the back.

 

Guéhi has quietly become one of the league’s steadiest centre-halves over the last two seasons, drawing praise for his calmness, composure on the ball, and natural leadership. With his contract creeping toward its final year and a half, Palace are expected to sell rather than let him walk for free.

 

Even though United are circling, Liverpool remain the front-runners. The 23-year-old is thought to favour a move to Anfield, where he’s been on their shortlist for ages as part of their defensive rebuild. Klopp may be gone and Arne Slot may be settling in, but Liverpool still see Guéhi as tailor-made for their style and long-term plans.

 

For United, landing Guéhi would be part fix, part risk. Their priority for January is a defensive midfielder, yet injuries to Lisandro Martínez and uncertainties around Raphaël Varane have exposed how thin they are at centre-back. Any real move for Guéhi likely depends on Maguire leaving.

 

Liverpool, on the other hand, have the upper hand thanks to Guéhi’s interest and their strong history of developing defenders. His camp reportedly likes the clear pathway for young players and the likelihood of consistent Champions League nights — something United can’t promise right now.

 

Crystal Palace are bracing for offers as a potential bidding war between two Premier League heavyweights brews. They’re expected to insist on the full £40 million valuation, with add-ons possibly nudging the final fee even higher.

 

Wherever he ends up, Marc Guéhi is shaping up to be one of the standout defensive names of the next transfer window. Liverpool may be leading the pack, but with United lurking, the stage is set for another fierce tug-of-war.