Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, according to reports.

Lacroix is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge in a deal worth north of £ 55 million, with Palace chairman Steve Parish personally handling the negotiations.

Parish is wasting no time in ensuring Palace aren’t caught short defensively, though, with a replacement ready and waiting.

The Eagles are in advanced talks with Augsburg to sign French centre-back Chrislain Matsima.

Lacroix has made 98 appearances across two seasons for Palace since his 2024 move from VfL Wolfsburg.

The defender has also won the FA Cup, Conference League and Community Shield throughout his spell at Selhurst Park.