Chelsea are yet to submit a bid for Maxence Lacroix as talks continue with Crystal Palace over a deal for the defender.
Standard Sport understands that Lacroix is one of Chelsea’s leading transfer targets as they evaluate options at centre-back.
The France international features high on the Blues’ list of centre-back targets, above the likes of Como’s Jacobo Ramon.
It is a position the club intend to strengthen this summer, and they view Lacroix as an ideal candidate.
The 26-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with France at the World Cup, is aware of Chelsea’s interest and is thought to be open to a move to Stamford Bridge.
However, Palace are under no financial pressure to sell Lacroix, who assumed greater responsibility in the Eagles' backline once England international Marc Guehi left in January to join Manchester City.
Lacroix has been at Selhurst Park for two full seasons, playing 70 times in the Premier League.
Chelsea are willing to sell an England international of their own this summer. Trevoh Chalobah is available for sale for the right price, with Serie A side Como having seen a £22million bid for the 26-year-old rejected by Chelsea within the last few days.
Palace, themselves, are in the market for defenders and have opened talks with Charlie Cresswell’s representatives over a potential move for the highly sought-after Toulouse defender.
