Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he has texted Manchester United-linked Marc Guehi.
The Crystal Palace centre-back has been one of several central defenders linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer. MEN Sport understands that United are looking to sign two new centre-backs this summer after the departure of Raphael Varane.
Everton defender Jarrad Braithwaite looks the most active target after United bid an initial £35million for the Toffees centre-back, which was rejected. The Merseysiders are said to value Braithwaite at between £70m-£80m with United are set to return with an increased offer, though MEN Sport understands that the Reds don't believe the defender is worth that asking price.
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Guehi could potentially be on the move this summer following his impressive form for Palace, which led to a Euro 2024 call-up with England. United legend Ferdinand has had his say on Guehi before the Palace defender impressed alongside John Stones in the 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday to kick off the Three Lions' tournament.
“It’s interesting - he’s a young defender coming into the national team," Ferdinand said on BBC Sport ahead of the game. "I think you need to build a relationship with your [centre-back] partner, like I remember going into the 2002 World Cup, Sol Campbell was more experienced than me and I was going to his room, talking about music, having a coffee, just to build that relationship off the pitch that you see the fruits on the pitch.
"The main work goes in on the training ground and John Stones has a big role to play. He’s got to help and talk to this young defender - they’ve played together three times, that’s not a lot of games.
"It's an inexperienced line-up together. Patrick Vieira [the former Palace manager] said to me when I spoke about him, he said: 'This kid, whatever level he gets to, he will be able to jump to that level and he will do it comfortably.' He seems like a real cool and calm customer, and I actually texted him and he just come back with: 'Yeah, cheers man, thanks.' I had to prod him again!"
Guehi played the full game as England held their nerve against Serbia in their opening game at the Euros, with the Crystal Palace defender partnering Stones well at centre-back amid increasing pressure as the game wore on.
