'Crystal Palace ready Ben Chilwell swoop after shock Chelsea twist'

Crystal Palace are plotting a move to sign Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell to help solve their depth issues at left-wing-back.

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 the 28-year-old would be a good fit for the Eagles.

Brown told Football Insider in November that Palace have been searching for a new left-back and had compiled a list of targets ahead of the January transfer windows.

However, their transfer window hasn't gone to plan so far and they are expected to be busy in the closing stages of the window to bolster their injury-hit squad.

Chelsea made the shock decision to recall Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell earlier this month in a bitter blow to Oliver Glasner's side.

However, his departure opened up the possibility for Palace to secure another loan signing from Stamford Bridge, with Chilwell viewed as a potential rival for Tyrick Mitchell's starting place.

Crystal Palace plot late loan swoop for Chelsea's Ben Chilwell

Mitchell currently represents Glasner's only natural option at left-back, and has started every game this season, forcing Palace into the transfer market to find a suitable backup.

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 a move for Chilwell would suit all parties and he would be open to a move to South London.

"I've heard Palace have shown an interest in Ben Chilwell," he told Football Insider.

"We've spoken before about Tyrick Mitchell and his future, and whether clubs could be interested in him.

"And a new left-back is something Palace have been looking to bring in because they haven't got a lot of depth in that position.

"It wasn't long ago he was an England international, and I don't know the extent of his injury issues and what they've meant for him, but Palace will know all about it.

"It's getting late in the transfer window as well, so options are limited.

"The opportunity to bring him in on loan has also come up since Chalobah went back to Chelsea.

"He'd do a good job for Palace. He'd be a good fit in their side. Plus, he lives in London so it's a move that would suit all three parties."

In other news, Crystal Palace agree deal to sign 17-year-old sensation.

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