Chelsea quoted new price to sign Maxence Lacroix

Chelsea will reportedly need to pay a higher fee to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix during the summer transfer window.

The Blues are determined to land a new centre-back this summer, and they have identified Lacroix as the prime target after discussing with new manager Xabi Alonso.

A recent report said Chelsea were preparing an offer worth £55m for the 26-year-old, but the Eagles are expected to hold out for a much higher fee to part ways with him.

With the recent inflation in the transfer market, Palace have increased Lacroix's valuation to £60m, and don't plan to entertain anything less for his potential transfer.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will meet the new price tag for the Frenchman or opt to pursue an alternative.

The Blues have just signed Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, and are in the process of offloading a couple of forwards.

Alejandro Garnacho and Nicolas Jackson are both expected to depart. The attacking pair could up joining the Villans.