³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Crystal Palace have signed Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix in a deal worth up to £18m.

Palace have been linked with the 24-year-old throughout the transfer window and he joins on a five-year deal.

The former France U20s defender joined Wolfsburg in 2020, made 130 appearances and played under Palace boss Oliver Glasner when he was in charge.

Palace sold centre-back Joachim Andersen to Fulham in a deal worth up to £30m but look set to hold onto England international Marc Guehi, who has been tracked by Newcastle.

They are also close to signing Chelsea defender Trevor Chalobah.

Lacroix came through the youth teams at Sochaux and played 28 times for the French club before moving to Wolfsburg.

He was part of the Wolfsburg side that qualified for the Champions League under Glasner and played in all six of their group-stage matches in 2021.

On the move, Lacroix said: "It’s like a dream for a young football player. I’m really happy to be here and arrive at this good team.

"I watched Palace’s last games and I was really happy for the coach, because I’d played under him before. I think it’s the right moment to move to the Premier League."

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "We have watched Maxence play at the very highest level of European football and we are delighted to be able to welcome him to Selhurst Park.

"He is another young, talented player to add to the club, and I am sure he will prove himself to be a valuable asset for Oliver and the squad."