Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca refused to hide his admiration for Marc Guehi after responding to reports of a move for the Crystal Palace star in the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old has emerged as a top target for the Blues as Maresca looks to bolster his defensive ranks following long-term injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
Guehi began his career in the club's academy at Cobham before being loaned out several times and sealed an £18m switch to Selhurst Park in 2021.
He has gone on to cement his status as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers for the Eagles and is already an England international, playing at Euro 2024 this summer.
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When quizzed on his interest in the player, Maresca admitted he admires Guehi but stopped short of divulging anything further regarding a potential move in the coming days or weeks.
"The only thing I can say is Marc Guehi is a Palace player," Maresca said. "I like Marc for sure but he is not our player.
"I also like the central defenders we have here. It is a normal situation when you have injuries, but at the same time there is nothing there."
Guehi's contract is set to expire in June 2026, prompting speculation Palace could cash in on their star man if they receive a sizeable bid, with Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool all credited with an interest.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will open up their chequebook in the transfer window after recalling Aaron Anselmino, a £16m signing from Boca Juniors in the summer, from his loan spell with the Argentinian outfit.
The 19-year-old is a natural centre-back and his return to the UK six months after joining the Blues hinted that he could be brought in as emergency back-up.
Saturday's FA Cup tie against Morecambe would offer the youngster an ideal opportunity to get some minutes under his belt, but Maresca poured cold water on the idea after assessing Anselmino in training.
"No, it is still too early. The plan for him is to get him ready for some minutes in the future," he said. "It is important to adapt to English weather, English football and then we will use him."
While there is some uncertainty over arrivals, Maresca has all but confirmed that Cesare Casadei and Ben Chilwell will head for the exit this month.
The pair will not be considered for selection against Morecambe as Casadei is set to seal a return to the Serie A, while out-of-favour star Chilwell is seeking a loan move.
"Cesare [Casadei] will not be in the squad. It's more or less the same situation as Ben [Chilwell]," he added.
"The plan is to not give him minutes if there is an opportunity for him to go and play [with another club]."
