Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea are now the front-runners to sign Lacroix and are advancing in talks with Crystal Palace.
Football Insider revealed last month that Lacroix is Chelsea's top target in his position after keeping a close eye on his performances for Crystal Palace in the last 12 months. Palace and France defender Lacroix was first seriously linked as a target just over a month ago and Chelsea have stepped up their interest in the intervening weeks, with negotiations advancing at a pace. But according to The Telegraph, Lacroix is edging ever closer to joining Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea after returning home from France’s World Cup campaign in North America, where he made three appearances.
For the time being, it’s understood Palace are standing firm on their £55m asking price for Lacroix, a player who has helped them win the FA Cup, the Europa Conference League and the Community Shield across a glittering two-year spell at Selhurst Park. The centre-back has three years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, placing them in a strong position to dictate a fee that works for them rather than their rivals.
However, Chelsea’s hierarchy are far from satisfied with their summer transfer business and central defence has been identified as an area of focus after the side shipped 52 goals across the top-flight campaign.
Crystal Palace are in talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign Axel Disasi as they line up a replacement for Maxence Lacroix. The terms of a deal are unclear currently, but Standard Sport understands Chelsea would prefer a permanent sale and have placed a price tag of £25million plus add-ons on Disasi.