Aston Villa have now entered the race to sign an "incredible" player, but Crystal Palace are determined to keep him, and a new contract offer is in the works.

Villa Park is set to be an attractive destination in the summer transfer window, with Unai Emery's side recently securing their return to the Champions League, courtesy of a 4-2 victory against Liverpool on home soil.

The Villa boss was full of praise for his side and the supporters after the match, saying: "Fantastic. The match was very important for us because the priority was the Premier League and to get our first objective: to be in the Champions League, and to be fourth now.

"It was a tough match in the first half, but in the second half we did a fantastic job. Very grateful for the support and the atmosphere the fans are creating.

"We are in the Champions League and this is something amazing. Four years here and four years in Europe. One in Conference, two in the Champions League and one in Europa League. And we are in a final."

There is also an opportunity for European glory, with the Villans set to take on SC Freiburg in the Europa League final, which is due to take place on May 20th in Istanbul.

It has been quite the campaign, but ahead of Emery's side's return to Europe's elite competition, they are eager to make some new additions to the squad, and signing a new centre-back is on the agenda.

Aston Villa enter race to sign Crystal Palace star

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now stormed into the race to sign Maxence Lacroix, but it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, as Crystal Palace are desperate to keep hold of the defender.

In fact, the Eagles are readying a new contract offer, in a bid to ward off the interest from elsewhere, with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea also keen, alongside a number of clubs from across Europe.

It is unsurprising Palace are so eager to keep hold of the Frenchman, given that he has been one of Oliver Glasner's most important players this season, making 34 Premier League appearances, and he received high praise from the Austrian back in February.

Aston Villa are already very well-stocked in the centre-back department, with Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings to choose from, but Lacroix is Premier League proven, and could be an exciting addition to Emery's squad.

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