Chelsea make first move to sign French centre-back

Chelsea have opened formal discussions with Crystal Palace for the potential transfer of Maxence Lacroix this summer.

The Blues are expected to land a marquee central defender, and they have earmarked Lacroix as their prime target.

Talks have already been held with his representatives and reports claim that the Blues are now discussing terms with Palace.

The south London outfit would prefer to keep the French centre-back, but he has no plans of signing a new long-term deal.

Lacroix has the chance to play Europa League football with the Eagles, but he is still prepared to join the Blues without Europe.

The former Wolfsburg man won't come on the cheap with Palace expected to demand at least £50 million to sanction his exit.

Chelsea have already planned to offload Trevoh Chalobah to free up space. Como are interested in signing the Blues graduate.

The Englishman is also attracting offers from the Premier League, but the Blues prefer to offload him abroad this summer.