However, none of them were willing to go to battle with City for his signature this season, with the transfer expected to be completed later this month. It marks City’s second big-money move of the January window, having already put pen to paper on a £65m deal for Antoine Semenyo.

However, Guehi will likely be dealt an immediate blow when he walks through the door at the Etihad Stadium. That’s because both of his most recent squad numbers are currently occupied by City players.

Guehi has been donning the number six during the entirety of his Palace career, whereas during his final season on loan at Swansea City, he wore the number five. Five is being worn by John Stones as things stand, while Nathan Ake boasts the number six.

The good news for Guehi is that both Stones and Ake are being spoken about as potential exits come the end of the campaign. Stones has six months left on his deal and is unlikely to be offered an extension, and while Ake has 18 months remaining, the Dutchman has been heavily linked with an exit.

A window of opportunity could open for Guehi, should Ake depart the 2023 European champions in January. The ex-Chelsea ace has been warned by Dutch manager Ronald Koeman that a lack of playing time could harm his chances of getting into the Netherlands squad for the summer World Cup.

Speaking on Friday, he said: “I cannot confirm the club’s [latest]. It’s not done. But the result is Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us. I mentioned it a few weeks ago. I was pretty clear. Every player, depending on their contract situation, there is a price where the club say they want to do it.”

Barring any complications, Guehi will likely be signed, sealed and delivered by the time City face Wolves next weekend. Guehi will have to wait until the knockout stages of the Champions League to make his debut in Europe’s most prestigious competition, as he isn’t registered in the current City squad.