Man City: Mark Guehi is set to complete a £414m rebuild

Once Guehi is officially signed, those at Etihad Stadium will be delighted to secure the services of one of the country’s best midfielders.

Guehi was wanted by clubs from all over Europe, not only last summer but in the current transfer window as well.

It is understood that the 25-year-old has admired City for a long time and they were willing to wait until the summer to bring him in, but they had to act quickly and decisively after injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.

Although youngsters Abdulkader Khosanov and Max Allen competed flawlessly, title races require end products with the knowledge to compete in the big games.

Guehi will provide strong leadership after leading Palace to a surprise FA Cup victory over City at Wembley last season, as well as playing a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

Although in the final months of his contract at Selhurst Park, a £20m fee for an international player with proven Premier League experience can be classified as a very satisfactory piece of work.

Sources said this is not a knee-jerk move or a panic buy due to an injury situation, rather it is being strategically struck for a player who is expected to remain at the club long-term.

Since the start of last season, Guehi has been ranked in the top 10 Premier League centre-backs in terms of clean sheets, duels won, aerial duels won and line-breaking passes. He will bring calm and physical control to City’s backline.

His potential signing could also spell the end for John Stones, with the Englishman currently out through injury and out of contract in the summer. The 31-year-old played just 11 Premier League games last season and just seven so far this year.

Earlier this month,, external Guardiola appears to have cast doubt on Stones’ future by saying his injury record should be taken into account in contract talks.