Chelsea agree £52m deal to sign French star

Chelsea have agreed a deal worth £52 million to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues were determined to land the French centre-back and have now secured an agreement with the Eagles.

Palace were initially looking for £60m for the central defender, but have eventually lowered their price to £52m to facilitate the transfer.

Chelsea have generally played with a four-man backline, but the formation could change under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Alonso likes to work with a three-man central defence, and Lacroix could partner Levi Colwill and possibly Wesley Fofana.

Reece James could also be utilised as the right-sided centre-back if Marco Palestra or Malo Gusto operate as a right wing-back.

The Blues have high ambitions for the new season. The lack of European football could be a good thing for the London giants.

With more training sessions under their belt, they could pose a genuine challenge for the Premier League title next season.