Telegraph: Crystal Palace to rival Milan in pursuit of French centre-back

AC Milan are expected to face competition in their pursuit of Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix this summer. According to a report, the Premier League side Crystal Palace are also interested in the centre-back. 

With Simon Kjaer set to depart at the end of his contract, Milan need to reinforce the defence and Lacroix has been named as one of their top targets. The 24-year-old’s contract with Wolfsburg will expire in 2025 and the German side could thus cash in this summer.

According to The Telegraph, Milan aren’t the only ones interested as Crystal Palace are set to join the race this summer. Their new manager Oliver Glasner is a big admirer of Lacroix, having worked with him at Wolfsburg in the 2020-21 season, and an attempt could be made.

Milan are unlikely to get involved in any auctions, meaning the player’s decision should be decisive to understand the next move. The Rossoneri also need to decide Stefano Pioli’s replacement before making any huge mercato-related moves, currently evaluating a few candidates.

In addition to Kjaer, one of Pierre Kalulu and Malick Thiaw could also depart the club this summer, with the latter attracting interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.