The Blues are understood to have Guehi, 24, on a list of defensive targets, despite selling him to Palace for £18m in 2021 – before Chelsea were taken over by current owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Palace have yet to receive official contact from Chelsea but Guehi’s representatives are aware of interest from his former club.

Guehi has 18 months left on his contract, having signed a five-year deal when joining Palace.

The interest highlights Chelsea’s broader efforts to sign a central defender in January or the summer transfer window.

They recently lost Wesley Fofana to a substantial hamstring injury, which according to manager Enzo Maresca could rule him out for the season.

However, those close to Fofana insist they expect him to play again within a much shorter period.

Benoit Badiashile is also out until at least February

Guehi made only two senior appearances for Chelsea, both in the EFL Cup in 2019, before spending a season and a half on loan at Swansea in the Championship prior to his move to Palace.

He has gone on to make 22 appearances for England.

Palace turned down four bids from Newcastle for Guehi in the summer, with the final offer worth up to £65m.

There have also been reports Chelsea could recall Trevoh Chalobah, external from his loan spell at Palace, while Argentinian defender Aaron Anselmino has been recalled from Boca Juniors.

The rainbow-coloured armbands are handed to each of the 20 captains of Premier League clubs as part of the English top-flight’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which aims to support LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The Crystal Palace skipper wore the armband during his side’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle at Selhurst Park last Saturday, with “I love Jesus” written at the top of the band in black marker.

The FA’s kit and advertising rules do not allow players to wear items of clothing that promote political or religious messaging, but the Palace captain has avoided an FA charge while it is expected the governing body will remind Guehi on its rules regarding “religious” messaging.

Rule A4 of the FA’s kit and advertising rules states: “The appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any distasteful, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting, discriminatory or otherwise ethically or morally offensive message, or any political or religious message, is prohibited”.

Guehi’s father is a church minister, and the defender has previously told The Athletic that he attends church with his family.

Guehi again had a religious slogan on his armband during Crystal Palace’s match against Ipswich Town on Tuesday night – reading “Jesus loves you” – with “loves” depicted by a heart.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy opted not to wear the rainbow armband during Ipswich’s defeat against Nottingham Forest.

The Premier League newcomers issued a statement in which they said they “respect” Morsy’s decision, adding that he opted out of wearing the armband due to “religious beliefs”.

Ipswich, who have previously contributed to LGBTQ+ initiatives, reiterated their commitment to “being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone”.

A spokesperson for Stonewall said: “It has been incredible to see so many football teams at all levels support our campaign to make sport safer and more inclusive for all.

“When we see clubs show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion, it helps people feel safe and welcome both on and off the pitch.

“It is up to individuals to choose if and how they show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.”

The 24-year-old played in six of England’s seven games at Euro 2024 and was one of the tournament’s standout performers.

Guehi established himself in a defensive partnership with John Stones and only missed the quarter-final win over Switzerland through suspension.

He has been monitored by several top Premier League clubs after excelling in 111 appearances for the Eagles since arriving from Chelsea in July 2021.

As first reported by the Athletic, Newcastle are the first club to enter formal discussions over the defender.

The Magpies are in the market for a centre-back and have been linked with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, 27, this summer.

Guehi has two years remaining on his contract and Palace will be keen to avoid one of their prized assets from running down his deal.

The Eagles, who signed Guehi from the Blues after a successful loan spell with Championship side Swansea, have made a strategy of buying exciting young talent from the second tier.

They signed Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise from the division below, with the latter joining German giants Bayern Munich for around 60m euros (£50m) this summer.

The England team were booed off following the 0-0 draw in their final group game with Slovenia and some empty cups were thrown at the Southgate as he applauded supporters.

The result was enough for the Three Lions to finish as group winners and they will play Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday.

Crystal Palace defender Guehi was handed his first senior England call-up by Southgate in March 2022 and has gone on to make 14 appearances.

He has been Southgate’s first-choice centre-back alongside John Stones at Euro 2024.

“He has been fantastic for England. If you look at his record, it speaks for itself,” 23-year-old Guehi said.

“Everyone is behind the manager and we have a really close tight-knit group just focused on the next group. Everyone appreciates him, especially me.

“He gave me my debut for England and he’s showed so much confidence in me. I am really grateful and I’m sure the rest of the team is as well.”​​​​​​​

Southgate has said that the reaction to the team’s performances in Germany is creating an “unusual environment” for the team, but Guehi says the players are not listening to any outside noise.

“I don’t think the team is too focused on that,” he said. “We are thankful for all of the fan support because they have travelled to see us.

“It is a calm and focused camp. Everyone is just focused on the next task at hand.”

As a result of winning their group, England have a path through the knockouts which avoids many of the other major nations.

Spain, Germany, Portugal, France and Belgium are all on the other side of the draw and England cannot play any of them before the final, but Guehi believes there is no easy route to the showpiece in Berlin on 14 July.

“Everyone has seen in this competition that I don’t think there is a favourable side of the draw,” he said. “Every opponent is tough to play against.

“We just need to remain calm. We put pressure on ourselves, but it’s a very calm and focused environment. We just need to continue focusing on one thing at a time.”

Guehi is forming a solid partnership at the back with Manchester City defender Stones and England have conceded only one goal during the three games so far.

“I think what builds confidence is togetherness and performances,” Guehi said.

“We haven’t lost a game yet. It’s important for us to control what we can control.”

England play Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday and kick off is at 17:00 BST.