Crystal Palace approach Chelsea over loan deal for Ben Chilwell

Crystal Palace have contacted Chelsea regarding a potential loan move for Ben Chilwell.

The 28-year-old is seen as something of a last resort for Palace as they have been targeting a left-sided centre-back first and foremost.

It is possible be that Palace turn to Chilwell closer to deadline day on Monday, with talks ongoing over how much it would cost to get him in on loan.

Chilwell is eager to play regularly again as he looks to avoid the prospect of going a whole season on the fringes.

So far this season Chilwell has made just one appearance for Chelsea - he played 45 minutes against Barrow in the third round of the Carabao Cup in September.

Although his contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2027, Chilwell isn't part of Enzo Maresca's plans.

Chilwell has been capped by England on 21 occasions but hasn't featured for his country since March 2024.

Last summer Chelsea were unable to secure a move away from the club for Chilwell despite him not fitting Maresca's preferred style for a full-back.

He joined Chelsea from Leicester in 2020 for a fee of £50million.

Chilwell was left out of Chelsea's FA Cup tie against Morecambe last month as the Blues didn't want to risk him getting injured ahead of a potential move.

In total he has made 107 appearances for Chelsea and has scored nine goals.

He was part of the Chelsea squad which won the Champions League in the 2020-21 campaign.

Tyrick Mitchell is Palace's first-choice at left wing-back but Chilwell would provide them with an alternative option should a deal go ahead.

Palace are in action on Sunday when they face Manchester United away.

Palace have made one major signing so far in this transfer window, with Romain Esse joining from Millwall.

Esse scored on his debut for Palace in the 2-1 defeat to Brentford last campaign.