Maxence Lacroix: Why Man United are targeting Crystal Palace star

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The Peoples Person

18 July 2026

Manchester 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.

After 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.

Caught 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

are all monitoring the situation. A report relayed by

claimed Real Madrid were an admirer as well.

A well-placed source claims: “Chelsea have made Lacroix their priority and efforts are still ongoing to get a deal done. Palace won’t make it easy, though, and their initial asking price of €55m (£47m) has risen now quite substantially.

“Palace are aware of other clubs circling. Arsenal have been monitoring his situation and they’re now stepping up their interest in a new centre-back following William Saliba’s injury. Look out for Liverpool,

, and Manchester City as well.”

While a centre-back would not seem like a priority for

, given the plethora of options at Michael Carrick’s disposal, the continued absence of Matthijs de Ligt as well as injury concerns over Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have led INEOS to consider targets.

Lacroix fits the mould the hierarchy have made their priority since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover. He is a Premier League-proven operator, just about to enter his prime, who would consider the chance to play at Old Trafford a major attraction. Whether the Red Devils are willing to stump up to £60 million to hijack Chelsea’s move remains to be seen, however.

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