Chelsea step up Maxence Lacroix pursuit as Xabi Alonso rebuild continues | OneFootball

Chelsea are in active talks to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, with negotiations intensifying after his World Cup with France ended.

According to The Standard, the clubs have held a fresh round of discussions over a potential deal, and Palace will not sanction a cut-price sale.

The 26-year-old featured three times during France's run to the semi-finals, including the 6-4 defeat to England in Saturday's third-place play-off in Miami, Florida.

There is no agreement at this stage, but Chelsea's spending has not slowed following their £117m move for Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and the £45m signing of Marco Palestra from Atalanta.

New manager Xabi Alonso is shaping the squad in his first Premier League post. He replaced Liam Rosenior in April after five straight defeats without a goal.

Alonso held his first press conference at Cobham last week, saying the club has great potential and a strong base, and making clear winger Alejandro Garnacho is not in his plans.

Source: The Standard