Chelsea enter talks to sign £55m defender

Chelsea have entered negotiations with Crystal Palace for the potential transfer of defender Maxence Lacroix this summer.

The Blues are eager to bolster their central defence and have earmarked Lacroix as the number one target for the transfer window.

The club have already held talks with the player's agent and have now opened talks with the Eagles to secure the Frenchman's signature.

Chelsea would ideally prefer to land him for £40 million, but the Eagles are expected to demand at least £55 million for the centre-back.

Talks are poised to continue over the next few days and the Blues remain optimistic of striking a suitable deal with the south London side.

Lacroix's arrival will most certainly coincide with more exits. Trevoh Chalobah is reportedly on his way to Serie A giants Como.

There is also talk that young graduate Josh Acheampong could head for the exit door, having seen limited playing time since his breakthrough.

Bayern Munich and Arsenal are keeping tabs on the youngster.