Axel Disasi is reportedly close to joining Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea, as the Stamford Bridge club continues efforts to trim its squad.
The 28-year-old French defender has been training separately from the main squad at Chelsea's Cobham facility, indicating his surplus status. Disasi has previously had loan spells with Aston Villa and West Ham United. His potential move to Palace is understood to be a straightforward loan with no option or obligation for a permanent transfer. Crystal Palace is expected to cover his wages and pay a loan fee.
Disasi impressed during his loan spell with West Ham last season, even as the club was relegated to the Championship. West Ham had been interested in signing him permanently this summer.
This potential departure follows Chelsea's recent acquisition of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52 million. Disasi is not anticipated to be the only centre-back leaving Chelsea in the coming week. Benoit Badiashile is also reportedly nearing a loan move to Napoli, with an option for a permanent transfer, while Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr also have clubs expressing interest.