Marc Guehi is closing in on a move to Manchester City this month with Oliver Glasner having confirmed that the Crystal Palace captain will not be considered for selection in Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.

Guehi is out of contract in the summer and had attracted interest from a host of parties, including Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, over a move at the end of the season. City’s pressing need for numbers in defense prompted them to push ahead in the January window and they have now reached what Glasner termed the “final stages” of negotiations.

Major injuries to both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol led City to accelerate talks to try to sign Guehi this month. Despite speculation that the England international would hold out to maximize his earnings as a free agent, they are expected to have no major issues in securing an agreement over personal terms with the 25-year-old.

Palace had been prepared to sell Guehi for the right price this month rather than lose him for nothing in the summer, but fear a repeat of the summer deadline day when a deal with Liverpool collapsed as they had not been left enough time to sign a replacement. Guehi would leave after four and a half years at Selhurst Park, highlighted by his role in the FA Cup Final victory over City last May, the first major trophy awarded to Crystal Palace.

“Latest understanding, the deal with Marc is in the final stages,” Glasner stated. “Everyone wanted Marc [Guehi] to stay forever… I wish him all the best for the rest of his career. He is still at the beginning of his great career. He is a fantastic guy.”

In other news, Glasner also revealed that he will depart Palace when his contract ends at the season’s conclusion, having expressed the desire for a new challenge.