Chelsea have accelerated their interest in defender Maxence Lacroix after a fresh round of talks with Crystal Palace. The proposed deal is being handled by the ownership of both clubs, with the latest discussions described as positive. It is understood The Eagles want a deal worth a minimum £60m for the 26-year-old and have started looking at potential replacements, with Ausburg's Chrislain Matsima among the players monitored. Lacroix has made 98 appearances for Palace since joining from Wolfsburg in a deal worth up to £18m in August 2024. If Chelsea's move for Lacroix is successful, the future of Trevoh Chalobah, who has interest from Como, will come further into question.