Chelsea have been in touch with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi about returning to Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It was reported last week that the Blues were weighing up a move for their former player, but Romano says the London club have not entered formal talks with Palace at this stage:

“Marc Guehi – There’s a lot of interest in the Crystal Palace defender, but it’s still too early to say where he will go Palace players are always linked with moves away but it’s important to underline that Palace have to be respected and they want important money or they keep their stars. Chelsea had some contacts on the player side 15 days ago, but again, no concrete negotiations or anything advanced.”

It is believed that both Arsenal and Tottenham have also considered making bids for the England international previously but they are currently focused on other targets.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are seriously thinking about reinforcing their options at centre-back after the knee injury sustained by Wesley Fofana.

Guehi won’t be available on the cheap

Depending on what report you read, Palace may demand between £50m and £60m for the defender, who was sold by Chelsea for just £18m two years ago.

It has been claimed that Mauricio Pochettino’s side do have a 25% sell-on clause which may help to reduce the cost of the transfer if he we to return to the club.

Chelsea are considering other centre-half targets

In addition to Guehi, the Blues have also been credited with an interest in Monaco’s Axel Disasi but he is not expected to be much cheaper than the Crystal Palace star.

The France international’s asking price is said to be around the €50m (£43m) mark, and he is attracting serious interest from the likes of Newcastle and Manchester United as well.