Transfer: Chelsea closing in on Lacroix deal

Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal with Crystal Palace to sign Maxence Lacroix.

The two Premier League clubs have been locked in negotiations over a permanent transfer for the France defender.

Sky Sports News reports that Palace want more than the £55m fee that Tottenham paid for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton to sanction Lacroix’s sale.

Palace and Chelsea have done deals for players such as Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell in the past.

The Blues are in the market for a centre-back and ideally any new arrival would be physically imposing and bring Premier League experience.

Chelsea are able to make signings as they have raised around £130m from sales in this window.