Crystal Palace have been given encouragement that Chelsea could sell highly rated defender Levi Colwill this summer.
Palace are among a number of Premier League clubs targeting a move for the 19-year-old, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal.
Colwill is viewed as one of the best young talents in the country after his impressive loan spell in the Championship with Huddersfield Town last season.
Chelsea want to sign three new centre-backs this summer and his pathway to the first-team at Stamford Bridge looks set to be blocked.
New Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has had multiple meetings over the future of Colwill, who is also wanted by Leicester, Southampton and Brighton.
Palace are thought to be among the frontrunners for his signature as Patrick Vieira continues to build an exciting young team at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles signed centre-back Marc Guehi from Chelsea in an £18million deal last summer. Guehi enjoyed a brilliant season and formed an excellent partnership with Joachim Andersen, but Vieira wants to strengthen his defensive options.
Arsenal are also understood to be huge admirers of the Colwill but would not immediately offer the left-sided centre-back a prominent role.
Colwill, a Chelsea's academy graduate, spent last season on loan at Huddersfield and shone as they missed out on promotion in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley.
He is currently with the Chelsea squad on their pre-season tour of America but the Blues are considering whether to sanction his exit.
Palace have already done some exciting transfer business this summer, with talented midfielder Cheick Doucoure joining in a £22m deal from Lens.
