Chelsea are regarded as favourites to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi during the January transfer window, according to reports.

The England international does have other suitors, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle.

However, GiveMeSport claim that none of these three teams are likely to table an offer for Guehi this month, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side “in pole position” for his signature.

Whether the Blues actually make a formal bid may depend on several different factors, but there is a clear opening to re-sign the centre-back, who left Stamford Bridge for Selhurst Park three and a half years ago.

Chelsea are short of options in defence

Head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that both Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile will be out for extended periods. The former sustained a hamstring injury in the win over Aston Villa at the start of December, while the latter suffered a setback in training prior to the Brentford match.

It means that there are only three senior centre-halves to choose from: Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Axel Disasi. Aaron Anselmino has been brought back from his loan spell at Boca Juniors six months early in order to reinforce that position but the Argentinian is only 19 years of age and it remains to be seen how regularly he will feature in Maresca’s first team plans.

Guehi’s price tag may be an issue

While there is a need to strengthen at the back, the club also have to be mindful of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

Although Guehi is believed to be on Chelsea’s radar, Palace are still said to be holding out for around £75m despite the fact that he has less than 18 months left on his contract. That asking price may need to be lowered for a move to happen in January.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here