Crystal Palace have lost the heart of their defence in the space of seven months, and Axel Disasi could be the man asked to repair it.

Marc Guehi left for Man City in January before Maxence Lacroix followed him out of Selhurst Park this summer.

Lacroix’s departure was particularly painful.

The Frenchman had become a perfect fit on the right of Palace’s back three, using his recovery pace to defend large spaces. He helped the Eagles win the Conference League before Chelsea paid £52 million to sign him last week.

That left new manager Pierre Sage with an obvious hole in his squad.

Sage replaced Oliver Glasner and is expected to retain the three man defence that brought Palace three trophies.

Disasi already understands that role.

The 28 year old made his name at Reims before developing into a regular at Monaco. His strength, aerial ability and willingness to defend aggressively earned him a place in France’s 2022 World Cup squad and convinced Chelsea to pay around £38 million for him in 2023.

His first season in London was busy.

He made 44 Chelsea appearances in 23/24, with Disasi also scoring three goals. His debut strike against Liverpool provided an immediate high, but his position became less secure as Chelsea continued changing managers and reshaping their defence.

He spent the second half of the following campaign on loan at Aston Villa, then returned to find himself outside Enzo Maresca’s plans and in the Italian's infamous bomb squad.

Disasi did not make a senior Chelsea appearance during the first half of last season. He trained away from the main group and had to wait until February for West Ham to offer him a route back into competitive football.

West Ham were fighting relegation, yet Disasi immediately brought greater physical presence and experience to Nuno Espírito Santo’s defence. He eventually made 17 appearances at the London Stadium, scoring one goal, but seriously impressed for the Hammers.

They eventually went down, but Disasi did enough to convince them that he could become part of their promotion push.

Reliable Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips now reports today that West Ham have agreed terms in principle with Chelsea over a permanent deal.

An agreement has also reportedly been reached with the player, including a clause allowing him to leave if the Hammers fail to return to the Premier League.

However, West Ham do not have the deal wrapped up just yet.

Disasi is said to have asked for time before making a final decision, giving other interested clubs an opportunity to move, and Palace are now seemingly trying to take advantage.

Crystal Palace open talks to hijack West Ham deal for Axel Disasi

French reporter Fabrice Hawkins says that the Eagles are preparing an offer to sign Disasi from Chelsea and have made him their priority replacement for Lacroix.

Talks between the two London clubs are already under way, meaning Palace could now attempt to hijack West Ham’s agreement before Disasi gives his final approval.

The attraction for the player is clear.

Palace can offer Premier League football, a place in Sage’s rebuilt defence and another European campaign after qualifying for the Europa League through their Conference League success.

Hawkins also reports that clubs in Italy remain attentive, so Palace are not the only top flight option waiting.

Chelsea are ready to sell after signing Lacroix and agreeing to send Trevoh Chalobah to Como. Moving Disasi on would further reduce Xabi Alonso’s overcrowded group of centre-backs.

Palace have the Lacroix money, the vacancy and a system that could suit him.

West Ham have the relationship and an agreement in principle.

Disasi must now decide whether to return to a club where he rebuilt his reputation or remain in the Premier League with the side trying to replace the defender who took his Chelsea place.