Maxence Lacroix: Why Man United are targeting Crystal Palace star

Maxence Lacroix: Why Man United are targeting Crystal Palace starManchester United are set to rival England’s elite for Maxence Lacroix despite Crystal Palace increasing the price of their defensive lynchpin, according to the latest report.Palace’s PowerhouseAfter arriving at Selhurst Park from Wolfsburg for £18 million to be reunited with Oliver Glasner, Lacroix has been an integral part of the most successful period in Crystal Palace’s history. The 26-year-old, who has primarily played as the central centre-back in Glasner’s three-man defence, has helped propel the Eagles to three trophies in two years: the FA Cup, Community Shield, and the Europa Conference League.

Palace’s miserly defence has been integral to this success, achieving two clean sheets in three of these finals and 20 across all competitions last season. But the 6’4″ powerhouse is not simply a defensive brute; he is capable of playing out from the back and even notched a goal and two assists in the 2025/26 campaign.The decision by Didier Deschamps to select Lacroix for France‘s World Cup squad, ahead of options like Benjamin Pavard, Castello Lukeba, or even Manchester United starlet Leny Yoro, underlines how highly rated he is – as does his list of suitors.

Eyed by England’s EliteCaught Offside reveals Chelsea are frontrunners for Lacroix, who they have made their “top target”. The Blues are keen to strengthen Xabi Alonso’s backline ahead of a tactical switch to a 3-4-2-1 – the system in which he has thrived at Selhurst Park.The Frenchman is open to the switch from south to west London, yet Chelsea have been unable to make headway in negotiations with Crystal Palace.

Initially, the Eagles were demanding around £47 million, but this has now risen closer to £60 million.Palace are understood to be hoping a “bidding war” breaks out for Lacroix, given Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all monitoring the situation. A report relayed by The Peoples Person claimed Real Madrid were a