Crystal Palace face 'major problems' as star duo push to leave after World Cup

Crystal Palace are facing problems in trying to stop their star players leaving, with Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta eyeing exits.

The France duo, currently with Les Bleus and the World Cup, are both believed to be keen on moves away from Selhurst Park when they return from the USA.

Interest from top clubs across Europe, as well as potential encouragement from their international teammates, has caused both players to look at loftier ambitions.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that their departures could casuse "major probelms" for Crystal Palace given their importance to the side.

Both Lacroix and Mateta have played crucial roles in Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup and Conference League in the last two seasons and remain important parts of their plans.

However, Pierre Sage may be forced to replace star players before he gets to work with them in what is now expected to be a busy transfer window at Selhurst Park.

Could Crystal Palace lose Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Brown warned Football Insider in February that Crystal Palace could face a mass exodus of players following Oliver Glasner away from South London this summer.

Speculation has risen around a number of their star players, with Adam Wharton and Dean Henderson also attracting interest, and concerns are now starting to grow.

There is a feeling at Selhurst Park that players could be allowed to leave if they can be replaced, but they are determined to avoid too much upheaval in one window.

"France look as good as anybody at the World Cup at the moment, I'd back them to win it," Brown told Football Insider.

"What that means for Crystal Palace, though, is that their two players who have gone as part of that squad and will play a role in that success could have their heads turned.

"If France do go and win it, Mateta and Lacroix are going to come back as World Champions, which is nice for the club to say they were involved, but it can also cause issues.

"In that case, Palace will have major problems because that means there will be more interest in these players and more clubs who are willing to try to lure them away.

"I've warned you about it before, players go away with their national teams, especially ones like France, and it gets in their head that they need to be playing at the top level.

"It seems to have happened with Mateta, that's why he nearly left in January, and now all the speculation is about Lacroix.

"In an ideal world, Palace would like to keep them both because they've been such big parts of their success, but sadly it looks like it will be difficult to do that."

What is the latest on Chelsea's interest in Lacroix?

While many have expected Mateta to leave Palace since his move to AC Milan fell through in January, speculation about Lacroix's future has emegrged more recently.

The 26-year-old has impressed at the World Cup as part of the France squad, and started as they brushed Norway aside with a 4-1 win in their final group stage clash.

Brown told Football Insider on 29 June that Crystal Palace are bracing to receive offers for Lacroix, with Chelsea expected to step up their interest in the near future.

A fee of around £60million would likely be enough to prise him away from Selhurst Park as Chelsea have emerged as leading contenders to sign the France international.

Although Crystal Palace are extremely reluctant to lose key players this summer, interest from Chelsea and the money on offer at Stamford Bridge could dent their ambitions.