According to reports by journalists Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are close to signing Lacroix for a transfer fee of more than £55 million.

Reports say the deal is being personally negotiated by Crystal Palace chairman Parish and is close to being completed, with Chelsea set to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Lacroix.

Reports say the total transfer fee will exceed £55 million; previous reports stated that Crystal Palace had set a £60 million price tag for Lacroix.

It is understood that Chelsea have offered Crystal Palace the opportunity to sign a number of players, including Disasi.