Chelsea should do U-turn and agree perfect swap deal to offload Raheem Sterling

Chelsea are squandering the chance to kill two birds with one stone in a single deal and must change their minds. The Blues have enjoyed an impressive summer transfer window so far, and their spending spree looks set to continue into the next few weeks.

Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens have all arrived at Stamford Bridge to provide depth in the final third, with Jorrel Hato strengthening Chelsea's defensive core as well. However, following an injury to Levi Colwill, Enzo Maresca is keen to sign at least one more centre-back before the window slams shut.

A host of defenders have been linked with a move to the Blues as a result, despite Maresca already having nine alternative options to work with. Among those cited as an option has been Marc Guehi, who is in the final year of his contract with Crystal Palace.

The England international looks to fit the mould of everything Maresca would want from a new recruit; he is capable of playing as a central or wide centre-back in a back-three, he's homegrown and he oozes leadership.

However, despite all of that, the Telegraph reports that Chelsea don't have Guehi on their shopping list. Instead, they are favouring alternative options to replace Colwill - who will be sidelined for the majority of next season - and are therefore giving Liverpool a 'free run' at signing their former academy star.

Arne Slot's side are in 'pole position' to sign the 25-year-old, but there is still time for Chelsea to avoid making such a blunder. Aside from how Guehi would strengthen Liverpool, signing the defender would also solve another of the Blues' problems: Raheem Sterling.

The winger is firmly in the shop window at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea hoping to offload the forward as soon as possible, whether on loan or permanently. A host of clubs across the continent have been linked as a result, but a move is yet to come to fruition for the 30-year-old.

Palace have since been linked with Sterling, along with two other Premier League outfits, and they are said to be monitoring his situation closely. That revelation which should set off alarm bells at Chelsea.

The ex-Manchester City star would be the ideal makeweight in talks with the Eagles to sign Guehi for a cut-price fee. They could offload a wantaway star and bring in a ready-made star who can hit the ground running. Guehi is the ideal defender and Chelsea should make a move.