Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Crystal Palace.
The academy graduate played a number of Chelsea's pre-season fixtures and appeared on course to feature regularly under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Instead, a number of new defensive arrivals and a persistent thigh injury have resulted in Chalobah failing to make a single competitive appearance during 2023-24.
Towards the end of the summer transfer window, Chalobah was attracting interest from each of Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest, only for each move failing to materialise.
With his situation not expected to improve under Pochettino, it has been widely suggested that the 24-year-old is available for transfer in January.
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Pochettino is keen to generate funds and create space on the wage bill to add fresh faces to his squad, with a new centre-back said to be on his wishlist.
Cashing in on Chalobah would go a long way to achieving that with his homegrown status leading to any sale being put down in the FFP books as pure profit.
According to The Express, Palace are contemplating whether to make a formal approach for Chalobah at the turn of the year.
Roy Hodgson's side have endured a mixed season in the Premier League, sitting in 15th position in the table despite Saturday's outstanding comeback 2-2 draw at Manchester City.
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Palace also possess the 10th-best defensive record in the top flight, a strong return with just four more goals being conceded than the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
The report suggests that Hodgson may be happy to use Chalobah as a central midfielder - rather than a defender - on a weekly basis in order to hand him the starts that he craves.
Hodgson is eager to secure a replacement for the injured Cheick Doucoure, who has an Achilles injury, and the Eagles seemingly feel that they could negotiate terms for Chalobah.
Nevertheless, it is stated that Palace would target a loan deal, something Chelsea may be against unless it comes with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Darren Plant
