Chelsea may “sell” Axel Disasi to Newcastle before the transfer window closes but they are concerned about leaving themselves short at the back, according to The Athletic.

The Blues currently have six centre-backs in the first-team squad, with Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah all available to head coach Enzo Maresca.

However, if Chalobah is offloaded, they would be more reluctant to let go of Disasi, who can also provide cover at right-back.

The Frenchman only moved to Stamford Bridge from Monaco for £39m last August but Chelsea do need to raise funds before the deadline on Friday.

Disasi is not Newcastle’s top target

The Athletic do emphasise that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi remains the top priority for the Magpies, with manager Eddie Howe pushing to secure the 24-year-old’s signature.

Even so, the club has been in contact with Chelsea about Disasi, as well as holding discussions with Bayer Leverkusen for Edmond Tapsoba, as they line up potential alternatives if their move for Guehi collapses.

What is the latest on the Guehi deal?

Some sources have suggested that Newcastle are edging closer to an agreement with Palace. They have already had several bids turned down for the defender.

Guehi’s £70m asking price remains a big sticking point, but there is still hope that a deal can be hashed out in the next few days.

Palace are not desperate to sell, having already lost Joachim Andersen and Michael Olise this summer. Talks have been long and progress needs to be made soon.

A deal for either Disasi or Tapsoba would be a lot cheaper to negotiate and we shall see whether the Magpies do decide to give up on Guehi and move for one of these two instead.

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here