Crystal Palace 'have held talks' over deal to sign Chelsea star as '£30m' move edges closer

Crystal Palace have discussed a potential move for Trevoh Chalobah during talks with Chelsea over their move for Maxence Lacroix.

While a swap deal would not have been entertained, the Eagles asked about the 27-year-old's availability as they step up efforts to land a replacement for their outgoing star.

Lacroix is now closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge after a deal was agreed between the two clubs, believed to be valued at around £55million.

As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace have assessed a number of options, with Chalobah still on their radar.

The centre-back spent the first half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Selhurst Park where he impressed before being recalled to play a role under Enzo Maresca.

However, Italian outfit Como are the front-runners to sign Chalobah as things stand, and have been tipped to agree a £30million deal after seeing two bids rejected.

Could Crystal Palace make a move for Trevoh Chalobah?

Brown told Football Insider last month that Premier League clubs have been keeping tabs on Chalobah and could be tempted to hijack his move to Como this summer.

Crystal Palace have emerged among his admirers thanks to his previous spell in South London, with the club still said to rate the centre-back highly.

As they prepare to lose Lacroix, a number of alternatives have been discussed, with Axel Disasi also mentioned in talks with Chelsea, but a move for Chalobah is unlikely.

"Crystal Palace are going to need to replace Lacroix, that is clear," Brown told Football Insider.

"If he's going to Chelsea, then it's going to be a big blow for Palace, because he has been such an important part of the success they've had in recent seasons.

"I expect that while they've been in talks with Chelsea, they will have asked about Trevoh Chalobah and whether he might be available.

"It looks now like he's going to make the move to Italy, but it's something I expect Crystal Palace have explored because they know him well and rate him very highly.

"He spent a few months at Palace a couple of seasons ago, and I'm led to believe everybody involved was a bit disappointed when he was recalled, despite how it ended up.

"Given it appears Chalobah is available, it would be more surprising if Palace hadn't considered a move, because we all know they will need a new centre-back."

Which other centre-backs are on Crystal Palace's radar?

Crystal Palace are ramping up their efforts to sign a replacement for Lacroix, and they have considered a number of targets both from Premier League clubs and abroad.

As previously mentioned, Chalobah and Disasi have been discussed with Chelsea, while they continue to eye targets including Augsburg star Chrislain Matsima.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider last month that Crystal Palace are interested in signing Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell, with scouts tracking his progress.

The England Under-21 international is believed to be keen on a move to Selhurst Park, as he eyes a return to English football after leaving Leeds United in 2024.

Crystal Palace scouts have been keeping a close eye on his progress and have been impressed by what they've seen, while Pierre Sage is also a big admirer of his.