Crystal Palace set to face competition from Chelsea and PSG for “great” defender

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Crystal Palace could face competition from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain for their top defensive target.

Crystal Palace have been busy this summer with incoming and outgoings playing a key role for the South London club and they could still have one more big outgoing in the form of Marc Guehi.

HITC understands that Newcastle United and Palace remain in talks over Guehi but the Magpies will have to get a move on with under 48 hours to go before the transfer window slams shut.

Palace have been linked with a move for Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix but there is another name who the South London club are keen on.

Crystal Palace face competition for Benfica’s Tomas Araujo

HITC understands that Palace made an offer for SL Benfica defender Tomas Araujo but it is our understanding that the Portuguese side turned down the offer from the South London club and the player was okay with that decision.

However, HITC understands that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have made enquires about the availability of the Portuguese defender.

PSG are in the market for a new defender as they are in talks to sell Milan Skriniar to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, whilst they have also allowed Nordi Mukiele to depart the Parc Des Princes for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

The 21-year-old only made 13 Primeira Liga games for SL Benfica last season but started just five of those league games. This season, he has made three league appearances for Benfica and there is certainly interest, even from other London clubs.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur keen on Araujo

Chelsea are prepared to omit Trevoh Chalobah from their Premier League squad and the English defender has been linked with a move to Palace this summer.

As well as Chalobah potentially departing the club, HITC understands that French defender Axel Disasi is a player that the Blues are prepared to let leave the club this summer. To that end, it is our understanding that Araujo is a player that Chelsea appreciates and are keen on.

Another side in London who are keen on Benfica’s Araujo is Tottenham Hotspur but haven’t enquired in recent weeks as they look for potential centre-back options too.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has labelled the Portuguese defender as “great”, but time is running out for Palace if they want to get a deal done.