Exclusive: Marc Guehi Departure Sparks Crystal Palace Interest in John Stones and Nathan Ake

Crystal Palace have turned their attention to another England World Cup hopeful in John Stones after the loss of star centre half Marc Guehi to Manchester City, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Palace are eyeing up short and longer-term options to replace centre-back Guehi, who today joined City in a £20 million high-profile move.

In need of ready-made signings to bolster their ongoing Europa Conference campaign, Palace are understood to be keeping tabs on City pair, Stones and Nathan Ake.

We understand Stones is definitely on the radar. The 31-year-old former Everton favourite is out of contract at the end of the season and hasn’t featured for the Blues since deployed as a second half substitute in the astonishing 5-4 win at Fulham on December 2.

A thigh issue has sidelined the one-time Barnsley youngster who would hope to partner Guehi in Thomas Tuchel’s squad this summer.

But he will need to provide fitness and form prior to flying out to the USA and Palace could benefit if Pep Guardiola decides to allow him out on loan.

Dutchman Ake, who made a Premier League debut for Chelsea on Boxing Day, 2012, is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until the end of 2027.

INJURY CRISIS

And because of City’s current injury crisis, which includes problems for defensive kingpins Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes and Ruben Dias, Ake has started the last four league and cup games.

However, once they return to full fitness and with Guehi expected to be a starter for his new club, Ake is likely to find his game time reduced and is understood to be allowed to leave in the coming months.

The 30-year-old has been a dependable figure since his £41 million switch from Bournemouth in 2020, amassing a wealth of club and country experience.

But with a World Cup on the horizon and facing internal competition from Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne, Ake might welcome a move to Selhurst Park to cement a place in Ronald Koeman’s squad.