Newcastle United summer transfer target Marc Guehi is wanted this month by Premier League rivals Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

Dropping out of European football for the 2024/25 campaign, Newcastle felt they were in need of reinforcements - particularly in defence - if Eddie Howe was to keep his side challenging at the higher end of the English top-flight table.

From the moment the window opened in June, through to its close in September, Guehi was the top target. Fresh from a stellar season at Palace and playing a critical role in England finishing runner-up at Euro 2024, his club were demanding 'superstar money' for the 24-year-old.

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Newcastle backed down from the transfer after three bids failed to match the £65m price tag and with the club wary of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

"When you're constantly reading things about yourself, it can be distracting for some people," Guehi personally remarked when breaking his silence on the issue in November.

He has 19 Premier League appearances so far this season and was just getting over those distractions, however with the January window freshly reopened it is Chelsea this time that have kicked up the storm.

Sky Sports dropped the bombshell news on Monday evening that the Stamford Bridge club want to re-sign the defender they sold for £18m as a 21-year-old.

This is because of the recent injury to Wesley Fofana, who - it is suggested - could now miss the remainder of the current season.

It remains to be seen if Newcastle still hold an interest in the defender, with the summer target attracting interest from a direct rival for the Premier League top four.