(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Mon 30 March 2026 16:00, UK

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Maxence Lacroix could see his future at Crystal Palace dictated by one of Liverpool’s other transfer pursuits.

The centre-back is being linked with a move to Anfield at the moment, while the likes of Chelsea and Aston Villa are also keen to try and sign him this summer, according to CaughtOffside.

The addition of new central defenders has already emerged as a clear priority for the Merseysiders ahead of next season, and they are lining up several potential candidates ahead of the window opening.

Roma star Evan Ndicka is another man who is on their list of targets, with the Reds clearly keen to assess every possible option before they make a definitive call over who they sign.

Liverpool’s transfer plans are becoming clearer with every passing week, and they could be about to spark a chain of events that prompts serious fear at Selhurst Park.

Liverpool to turn to Maxence Lacroix if Evan Ndicka deal difficult

Liverpool’s move for Ndicka already looks set to be a difficult deal to strike, given the level of competition that is already emerging for his signature.

According to Solo La Roma, the Reds, Manchester United, Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are all interested in signing the Ivory Coast international, with Roma not even entertaining the idea of selling for less than £39million.

However, it is also noted that the “bidding war” for the 26-year-old is expected to reach “unprecedented heights,” which is sure to provide problems for the clubs involved.

If it begins to look unlikely that Liverpool will win the race for Ndicka, then that will surely spell serious trouble for Palace’s hopes of keeping hold of Lacroix.

Failure to land one target can often see an elite club pursue another option with even more fervour, and that is exactly what could potentially happen with Lacroix.

Palace will undoubtedly have every intention of trying to keep the former Wolfsburg man, but they may face serious problems if Liverpool come with a vengeance.

International break provides fresh Lacroix concerns for Palace

Lacroix has just seen his strong form rewarded with his first two senior caps for France, as he featured in both of their friendlies last week.

However, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Palace will be concerned by the defender’s call-up, due to the kinds of conversations that he would be privy to while away from Selhurst Park.

The former recruitment chief suggested that some of Lacroix’s teammates at international level are likely to have been in his ear about the possibility of playing Champions League football or getting a big move, which wouldn’t bode well for the Eagles.

They have recently had a taste of the power that players have when they want a move with Jean-Philippe Mateta, and they will be reading the possibility of a similar scenario playing out with Lacroix.