Chelsea's move to sign Liverpool target hits major stumbling block - Reports 

Chelsea have reportedly hit a major stumbling block in their pursuit of Liverpool target Marc Guehi. As reported by The Mirror, the Blues' strict wage structure could be the reason why they failed to bring their academy graduate back to the club.

Guehi is expected to cost more than £50 million although Crystal Palace quoted a £70 million asking price for their star defender in the summer. He is also likely to command a £200,000-a-week in wages which could be tricky for the Blues.

Chelsea's current contract policy is to offer their players a lower basic salary but a long-term deal. This could mean that they could miss out on the Liverpool target who has been in demand over the last few months.

Guehi was strongly linked with a move away from Selhurst Park in the summer with Newcastle United strongly linked with his services. However, he stayed put at the south London club but has now entered the final 18 months of his deal.

The English defender has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League since joining Crystal Palace in 2021. Following his reported £18 million move to Selhurst Park, he has become the cornerstone of the Eagles' backline.

Guehi came through the youth ranks of Chelsea but managed to make only two senior appearances for the west London giants. Following his impressive loan spell with Swansea City, he moved to Crystal Palace and has not looked back since.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with the defender in the last few months who has made 134 appearances for the Eagles. Capped 22 times for England already, Guehi is reportedly seen by the Reds as the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

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Liverpool and Chelsea to compete with Manchester United for PL defender: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly set to face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool in their pursuit of Milos Kerkez. The highly-rated Bournemouth left-back has emerged as a target for the three Premier League giants thanks to his exploits for the Cherries as per TEAMtalk.

Kekrez has been excellent for Bournemouth since joining the South Coast club in 2023 from AZ Alkmaar. He has made 54 appearances for the club scoring once and providing four assists.

The 21-cap Hungary international is contracted at the Vitality Stadium until 2028 and is valued at £40 million. Liverpool reportedly view Kerkez as the long-term successor to Andrew Robertson while Chelsea want him to replace it of favor Ben Chilwell.