Story thread · 12 reports / 8 sources

‘Is he what Chelsea needs?’ – Marcel Desailly questions £52m transfer move

metro.co.uk · 15dShare

Chelsea need an ‘established’ central defender with ‘experience’, says Marcel Desailly (Picture: Getty) Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly has questioned the club’s transfer move for Maxence Lacroix , insisting Xabi Alonso needs a player with ‘more experience’ at the heart of his defence. Lacroix informed Crystal Palace of his desire to seek a fresh challenge at the end of last season and Chelsea were quick to make their interest known in the 26-year-old centre-back. Talks progressed at a pace over the last fortnight, with Lacroix eager to push through a switch across London, and the two clubs have reportedly shaken hands on a £52million transfer fee for the France international. Lacroix, who made three appearances for France at the World Cup, is expected to put pen to paper on a six-year contract with Chelsea, tying him to the club until 2032. The former Wolfsburg man is set to follow Geovany Quenda , Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers through the doors at Stamford Bridge in what has been a

First report: Palace want teenage Brest defender Le Guen — bbc.co.uk, 18d