The deal is worth in the region of the expired £68m release clause, matching the level of fee Tottenham Hotspur were prepared to pay.

Crystal Palace’s scramble for a centre-back has intensified as Liverpool close in on Marc Guehi, leaving the Eagles braced for a potential captaincy void. With Guehi’s contract expiring next summer and the Reds readying a bid reportedly in the region of £35 million,

Akanji arrived at City in 2022 and has two years remaining on his contract. He is yet to play for Pep Guardiola’s side this season and has dropped behind Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake in the competition for places in the middle of City’s defence.

Crystal Palace make Manuel Akanji approach as they step up transfer push after Oliver Glasner plea - Eagles enquire about Akanji amid uncertainty over the future of Liverpool target Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace have made an approach to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji. No official bid has been made, but sources told BBC Sport that Palace have enquired about the availability of the Swiss international.