Ben Chilwell finds last-minute Chelsea escape route as Crystal Palace seal deadline day loan deal for exiled Blues defender

Chilwell has been cast out of the Chelsea squad by Enzo Maresca since the Italian signed with the Blues last summer. The left-back was told by the west London side that he was not a part of his plans for the season but failed to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge and has only played once this season - a 45-minute-stint in the Carabao Cup third-round clash against fourth-tier side Barrow.

Chilwell has been looking for an exit this winter and has been linked with a number of clubs. However, Crystal Palace have now struck a deal with Chelsea and signed the England international on a six-month loan until the end of the current season.

He told the club's media: "I'm very excited to be here. Crystal Palace are a club that's going in a great direction. You look at the last few months, with the results and how the team's playing, and it was a no-brainer to make the decision to come here."

As per The Telegraph, Crystal Palace have agreed to foot half of Chilwell's massive wages during the period of the loan. The England international earns close to £200,000-per-week at Stamford Bridge and his wages had been a major factor in all of his failed moves since the start of the summer as clubs did not want to foot that massive a wage.

Lack of fitness could be a cause of concern for Crystal Palace with Chilwell not having played for well over four months. As such, the Eagles' next clash against League Two side Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup fourth round could be the perfect test for the left-back's fitness.