Chelsea and Bayern Munich are now battling it out for the signature of an "incredible" Crystal Palace star, who is wanted by a whole host of top clubs.
BlueCo eyeing summer signings after Shearer criticism
After the Blues fell to a 3-0 defeat against Everton last time out, Alan Shearer slammed BlueCo for their failure to strengthen the squad in a number of key areas, despite splashing the cash since their arrival.
The former Newcastle United striker said: "Chelsea are still searching for a top-class goalkeeper and a top-class centre-half. It’s baffling, really, when you spend that amount of money, that you still haven’t got that.
"And they’re being punished for it, the keeper makes a mistake or two, the centre-halves are too easy to play through. Newcastle scored a similar goal to the one Everton scored last weekend when they went straight through the middle of Chelsea.
"Chelsea are not going to achieve what they want while they’re still searching for that."
Liam Rosenior's side looked particularly poor from a defensive point of view against the Toffees, while they also shipped eight goals across two legs against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, exiting the competition at the round of 16 stage.
As such, if Rosenior's side are going to take the next step and start competing for major honours once again, they may need to bring in a centre-back in the summer, and they have now joined the race for an in-demand Premier League star.
"Incredible" Crystal Palace star now being targeted by Chelsea
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea are now neck and neck with Bayern Munich in the race for Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix, who recently earned his first cap for national side France.
The race for Lacroix's signature is heating up, with Aston Villa and Liverpool also closely monitoring the defender, who pockets £50k-a-week at Selhurst Park.
There is a feeling it may be difficult to prise the 25-year-old away from the Eagles, however, as there is no release clause in his contract, which doesn't expire until 2029.
Brazil's Igor Thiago in action with France's Maxence Lacroix and Ibrahima Konate
The Palace star is particularly well-known for his pace, having been lauded for his "incredible" recovery speed by scout Matthew Avery last season.
Not only that, but the one-cap France international is averaging 41.8 accurate passes per 90 in the Premier League this season, which is more than any other Palace player, and an average of 7.3 clearances per 90 is the highest in the squad.
Lacroix has now proven himself in the Premier League, making 63 appearances in the competition, and he could be ready to make the step-up to a bigger club, so Chelsea should definitely pursue a move this summer.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior applauds fans after the match Related
BlueCo line up 4-2-3-1 Rosenior replacament who played 198 times for Chelsea
Liam Rosenior's future is in doubt...