Chelsea have overtaken Liverpool in race to sign Premier League defender: Reports

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea have reportedly taken the lead over Liverpool in the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, as per TEAMtalk. The Blues are considering signing the English defender in the January transfer window.

A report by GiveMeSport claims that multiple top clubs such as Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester United are also interested in securing Marc Guehi's services. However, the clubs are unlikely to make an offer for the Crystal Palace defender in January due to financial constraints.

The Magpies made three offers last summer for Marc Guehi, the last of which was around £60 million. Palace demanded £65 million at the time but have increased their asking price to £80 million. A report by TEAMtalk in November claimed that Marc Guehi is also keen to rejoin Chelsea.

Guehi is an academy product of the west London club but after two loan spells at Swansea City, he joined Crystal Palace on a permanent transfer in July 2021. The Englishman has made 133 appearances for the Eagles across all competitions, bagging seven goals and three assists.

Marc Guehi has also taken the captaincy for Crystal Palace. In 22 matches this season, he has helped the side keep five clean sheets across competitions. His contract with the Eagles will expire in the summer of 2026. Interestingly, the Blues also have a 20 percent sell-on clause in Guehi's contract, which will help the west London club gain money if he joins any other club.

---

Chelsea star to return in Premier League clash against Crystal Palace: Reports

Liverpool FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty

Enzo Maresca has revealed that Reece James is expected to play for Chelsea in their match against Crystal Palace on Saturday, January 4. The Englishman is Chelsea's first-choice captain but his on the ground has been marred by injuries.

Reece James missed the initial games of the season due to a hamstring injury. He returned during the Blues' 2-1 loss to Liverpool in October. Unfortunately, after only four games, he suffered another setback, which ruled him out for two more months.

He was a part of the squad during the side's 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town on Tuesday, December 31. During the pre-match press conference, Enzo Maresca revealed that Reece James is expected to return against Palace. He said (via CFC Blues):

"He's back. The last game against Ipswich, he was with us just to be with us on the squad. The plan was not to give him any minutes. Tomorrow is different, we can give him minutes. We all know how important Reece is for us, so hopefully he can get minutes very soon."

The English defender has suffered multiple injury setbacks in the last few years. Last season, he made only 11 appearances for Chelsea, missing most of the season due to a hamstring injury and surgery.