Chelsea have reportedly identified Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as a potential signing in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old made the switch across the capital from Stamford Bridge to Selhurst Park during the summer of 2021 after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by with the Blues.
Guehi has no doubt been worth the £18m that the Eagles paid for his services over three years ago, blossoming into a regular England starter, with the centre-back involved for Lee Carsley's side earlier this month.
The Cobham graduate also made a telling impact for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 in Germany, where he started alongside John Stones in defence due to the absence of Harry Maguire.
Since moving from Chelsea to Palace in July 2021, Guehi has made 126 competitive appearances for the Eagles, finding the net on seven occasions.
Chelsea 'considering shock move' for re-sign Guehi
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are sounding out an audacious move to re-sign Crystal Palace's Guehi just three years after he was sold to the Selhurst Park club.
The report claims that the 22-time international is in no rush to agree to extended terms with Oliver Glasner's troops, who have struggled at the beginning of the Premier League season.
Tipped by many to challenge for a spot in Europe this term, the Eagles are currently 19th in the league standings, one point behind Wolverhampton Wanderers in the relative safety of 17th.
Guehi's current deal at Palace is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, so Glasner's side are in no immediate danger of losing their star defender.
However, the length of the contract means that Guehi could be available for a bargain fee in the summer, something that Chelsea and other potential suitors will be keenly aware of.
Guehi's next step
With the likes of Stones and Maguire coming towards the end of their international careers, Guehi has a massive opportunity to claim his place in the England XI for years to come.
Key in his mission for Three Lions regularity will be the 24-year-old's next step in club football, with the centre-back arguably ready to play for a top Premier League club.
Guehi was reportedly close to a switch to Newcastle United before the start of the season, however Palace and the Magpies could not agree on a transfer fee.
A summer move to Stamford Bridge would be major leap for the status of the defender, however he would face significant competition for a spot in Enzo Maresca's back four.