Crystal Palace approach Manchester City defender as potential replacement for Liverpool target Marc Guehi

According to a number of outlets including BBC Sport, Palace have made an approach to sign Akanji from City. Guardiola is keen to reduce the size of his playing squad and could be willing to sanction an exit for Akanji, who is also reportedly wanted by Turkish giants Galatasaray.

It's been a difficult summer for Palace, who were fighting with UEFA over their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League, and they could still lose another one of their main talents after Eberechi Eze departed for Arsenal. England international Guehi has been the subject of interest from Premier League champions Liverpool and The Independent add Akanji could be an experienced option to arrive at Selhurst Park if their star centre-back were to depart before the end of the summer transfer window.

Akanji arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2022, helping City win the treble in 2022-23, and has been a solid option for Guardiola throughout his time in Manchester. However, with the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov already options at centre-back, the Switzerland international could be moved on.

Palace may well have to wait and see if Liverpool firm up their interest in Guehi before pushing ahead with a move. For now, Oliver Glasner will hope he has the former Chelsea defender available when the Eagles visit Fredrikstad on Thursday in the second leg of their Conference League play-off looking to defend a 1-0 advantage from the first encounter.