Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Crystal Palace over a move for defender Maxence Lacroix, according to Sky Sports.
The Eagles are said to be holding out for a fee in excess of £55m for the Frenchman, whose performances have caught the attention of clubs elsewhere as Palace look to negotiate from a position of strength.
Sky Sports report that discussions between the two clubs are underway, though no agreement has yet been reached. Chelsea are understood to be in the market for defensive reinforcements, and Lacroix has emerged as one of their targets amid the club's ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad.
Palace's asking price reflects their reluctance to let go of a key player without a significant fee, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be willing to meet those demands. With talks still in early stages, both sides are expected to continue negotiations before any deal for Lacroix can be finalised.