Chelsea are pushing ahead with another defensive rebuild after appointing Xabi Alonso as their new manager.
The Blues have already signed Marco Palestra and Geovany Quenda, while Marc Cucurella has completed his move to Real Madrid.
Alonso wants further changes at the back, and Chelsea have now identified Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as a priority target.
The Frenchman still has three years left on his contract at Selhurst Park, giving Palace a strong position in negotiations.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are ready to offer players to Crystal Palace as part of a deal for Lacroix.
Trevoh Chalobah is among the names who could move in the opposite direction, although club-to-club talks have not started yet.
Chalobah already knows Palace well after spending part of the 2024/25 season on loan at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea recalled him early to cover a defensive shortage, and he later became a regular at Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old has also earned a late call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
He has not played yet, but England named him as cover at centre-back and right-back after Tino Livramento withdrew through injury.
Chelsea could also include Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo or Benoit Badiashile in a part-cash exchange.
Disasi spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, while Tosin and Badiashile face uncertain futures under Alonso.
Maxence Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 for around £15 million. He has since become an important defensive option and is currently away with France at the World Cup.
Palace were frustrated when Chelsea recalled Chalobah from his loan spell 18 months ago.
However, they are now showing interest in bringing him back permanently as Chelsea try to build a package for Lacroix.
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