It proved a dramatic day at Selhurst Park as Glasner delivered the news to his squad on Friday morning, with his exit placing him firmly amongst the candidates for the Manchester United position, where he features on their shortlist. Glasner cited his desire for a “new challenge” before Palace’s Saturday fixture at Sunderland, and moments later the club confirmed they had struck an agreement for Guehi’s transfer to City.

City boss Pep Guardiola has been keen to acquire Guehi to bolster his defensive options, though the deal is striking given the centre-half has just six months remaining on his current terms and would be available on a free transfer come summer.

City have paid £20m with the package potentially rising to £30m, though it is heavily structured around performance-related bonuses and achievements which could push the figure higher still.

Guehi, 25, has secured a substantial contract believed to be worth around £300,000-a-week, as City recognised he could demand significant wages as a free agent with Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich all monitoring his situation.

However, Glasner insisted that Guehi’s exit was not connected to his own departure, revealing he had already informed chairman Steve Parish months earlier that he would leave at the end of his contract, having guided the club to FA Cup success last season.

Glasner said: “My decision had already been taken months ago. I had a meeting with Steve in October international break over dinner.

“I told him I would not sign a new contract with Crystal Palace. We agreed at the time it was best to keep it between us. I told the team today the same. I think it is important to have clarity. I have not spoken to any other club.”

Glasner acknowledged the dressing room was “surprised” that Guehi, whose deadline day switch to Liverpool collapsed last summer, had chosen to depart, and confirmed he will not feature in the squad to face Sunderland.

Glasner said: “When the players want to move on a deal will happen. It looks like it has happened now. 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.”

Glasner also cautioned that France striker Mateta could depart if an offer arrives and he fails to commit to fresh terms, with Manchester United and Chelsea previously linked with the forward.

Glasner added: “It is the same. There will be a price where Crystal Palace say ’18 months left in his contract, we do the deal if JP wants.’ If nobody pays this price then JP will stay.”