Crystal Palace may turn to out-of-favour Trevoh Chalobah as Newcastle United are edging closer to agreeing a move for defender Marc Guehi.
Chalobah’s omission from Chelsea’s pre-season tour squad left supporters surprised. He has instead been training with the development squad at Cobham, as the Blues are seeking to sell the academy graduate this summer.
Enzo Maresca has been working with Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, and Tosin Adarabioyo as right-sided centre-backs. Chalobah, who was absent from Chelsea’s opening day defeat to Manchester City, is not expected to make any matchday squads this season.
Chalobah was one of the top performers at Stamford Bridge after returning from injury last season though and played a key role in the run under Mauricio Pochettino that secured a sixth-place Premier League finish. The club’s treatment of the academy graduate has bought criticism from fans and the media.
Newcastle, meanwhile, continue working to land Guehi after talks were held over the last 24 hours and Sky Sports report there is ‘optimism’ a deal could be struck by the weekend. A package of £65million plus add-ons is ‘likely’ to convince Palace to part ways with Guehi.
Palace, who have already started looking at potential replacements, are said to have considered a move for Benfica’s Tomas Araujo, while Chalobah ‘remains an option.’
Chelsea have already rebuffed an offer from Fulham for Chalobah earlier this summer, as they looked to sign a replacement for Tosin Adarabioyo, who moved to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.
Palace may now find themselves in a similar situation and look to tempt Chalobah through personal terms. Although they will not be able to offer him European football, he is said to want to remain in London, which could work in the Eagles’ favour.
It is reported Chelsea have put a £25million price tag on the 25-year-old this summer.
