Chelsea's efforts to land Marc Guehi this month are in the balance with Crystal Palace not planning on signing a replacement for recalled loanee Trevoh Chalobah.
Centre back Chalobah, who signed a season-long loan deal with the Selhurst Park club in the summer, has returned to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea activated a recall clause in light of Wesley Fofana's injury.
Guehi was the Blues' clear No 1 central defensive target this month and talks between the clubs have taken place over a potential January move.
But Chelsea's move to recall Chalobah has placed major doubt over whether they will continue talks to land Guehi this month, with the expectancy being the England star will stay at Palace until the end of the season.