Not Baleba: Man Utd 'Make Official Approach' for Premier League 'Superstar'

Manchester United could see one of the Premier League's best defenders come to Old Trafford in the coming weeks, according to reports - with the Red Devils having made an approach for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi after another stellar season from the Chelsea academy graduate.

The report by Football Transfers states that United have made an official approach for Palace skipper Guehi, as they look to beat Liverpool to his signature after reports had suggested that the Reds were leading the race for his services.

Report: Man Utd 'Make Approach' for Marc Guehi

The England star has a year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, and with no sign of a new contract, he could still be on the move in the summer - with Ruben Amorim wanting to add a centre-back to his ranks.

Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire have all played roles in pre-season, but with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof departing in the summer, Ayden Heaven still lacking that bit of experience and Lisandro Martinez out for some time with an injury, Guehi would be a serious upgrade to come into the former Sporting gaffer's back three.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Marc Guehi has 23 caps for England.

United's approach so far has only been exploratory, designed to gauge Palace's asking price and his willingness to join the club in the summer, and as he would 'walk straight into the XI', there could be enough interest to get a deal done.

The news comes after Palace chairman admitted that Guehi was likely to be sold after their win over Liverpool in the Community Shield on Sunday, which could prompt a bid from the Red Devils. He said:

"For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it's a problem for us unfortunately. Joachim [Andersen] went [to Fulham last summer] and we couldn't afford to lose both. We then had another bid [for Guehi] in January but that was a different situation. “We'll just have to see what happens. But, you know, it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind.”

Guehi has seen his stock skyrocket in recent times, featuring for England at EURO 2024 and playing a key part of a sturdy defence that only conceded four goals en route to the final, whilst also making Palace history by captaining them to the FA Cup after beating Manchester City back in May - and with United's lack of success in the past two years, he could be the perfect player to come into their back line.

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