Defender Maxence Lacroix underwent his medical at Chelsea on Thursday as the club agreed to a transfer fee of approximately £55 million with Crystal Palace. Talks for the French international had intensified following a meeting in New York between Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Palace chairman Steve Parish, who were both in the city for the World Cup final.
Chelsea had previously revisited their interest in the 26-year-old earlier in the summer. Lacroix joined Palace from Wolfsburg for £18 million and has established himself as a notable performer in the Premier League and European competitions.
Separately, Middlesbrough is in negotiations to sign U.S. midfielder Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps. The reported transfer fee for the 25-year-old, who has earned 18 caps and played in all of the United States' World Cup matches, is £900,000, with an additional £600,000 in potential add-ons. Berhalter was born in London during his father Gregg Berhalter's playing career.
Middlesbrough is also reportedly in discussions for left-back Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew.
Middlesbrough are in talks to sign USA star Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps
Chelsea has reportedly dismissed any interest in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with club sources refuting any inquiries or future plans concerning the Brazilian international. The transfer window remains open until September 1.