Expert: Chelsea told £65m offer could seal deal for top target
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Crystal Palace will demand upwards of £65million to sell Marc Guehi in the January transfer window amid interest from Chelsea.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Palace are very reluctant to see their captain leave in the middle of the season.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 8 January that Chelsea have opened preliminary talks to re-sign the 24-year-old centre-back.
Brown explained that Palace’s lofty demands and strict negotiations over Guehi’s future in the summer were with the intention of keeping him for the full season.
Therefore, negotiating a lower price over his sale just six months later has not come into their thinking, and they are likely to stick to their lofty demand.
The price is also expected to have been affected by the exit of Trevoh Chalobah, who was recalled from his loan spell by Chelsea earlier this month as there is now less leeway in their squad.
Crystal Palace make Marc Guehi demand after Chelsea talks
Guehi has been a crucial part of Oliver Glasner’s side since he took over from Roy Hodgson last year, and has started all 26 of their games across all competitions so far this season.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the centre-back may leave come the end of the season, but his sale will not be entertained this month.
“I hear Chelsea want to make a move for him,” he told Football Insider.
“That’s an interesting one, because when Newcastle wanted him in the summer, they were playing hardball over the £5million difference between the offer and their valuation.
“Palace did that because they wanted to keep him for the season, so six months later, they’re not now going to accept an even lower price.
“They were reluctant to let him leave in the summer, and they’re even more reluctant to let him leave in the middle of the season because of his importance to the team.
“Especially now Chalobah has gone, they don’t want to lose another defender.
“Yes, I can see Chelsea wanting to take him back, but can they afford what Palace are asking for?
“Because I think he’s going to cost probably upwards of £65million, just like in the summer.
“That price tag might come down at the end of the season because of his contract situation, but at this stage I don’t think they’ll drop his price tag.
“Otherwise you have to ask why they’re accepting, say, £50million when they could have had £70million.“
In other news, Jeffrey Schlupp wanted by MLS outfit San Diego FC.
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The post Expert: Chelsea told £65m offer could seal deal for top target appeared first on Football Insider.
