How Crystal Palace are gearing up to break West Ham hearts over Axel Disasi as picture changes

Crystal Palace may have stolen a march on West Ham in the race for Axel Disasi.

The 28-year-old starred at the London Stadium on loan last season, making 14 Premier League appearances.

Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to bring him back to East London, and it looked like that deal had a chance of happening.

West Ham were understood to have had an agreement with Chelsea and over terms with the player.

However, the defender was reportedly waiting to see if three other clubs were serious about their interest.

Now, the Eagles may put a spanner in the works of the Irons' plans, and it may all be the Blues' fault.

Why Chelsea will be at fault if West Ham miss out on Axel Disasi

Palace are set to submit a bid for the Frenchman, and have made him a priority.

That is according to Fabrice Hawkins on Monday, who claimed that talks between the clubs are ongoing.

He stated that he has emerged as the top target to replace Maxence Lacroix.

Therefore, the Stamford Bridge side poaching the 26-year-old may have played a direct part in bringing the Selhurst Park side into the Disasi race, and hampering the E20 side.

It may not be the worst thing, as clearly the player was not fully committed to the cause, anyway.

Why Disasi may not have been right for West Ham anyway

Palace is obvious a more interesting challenge that the Hammers right now, given that they are in the Europa League and Nuno's side are in the Championship.

However, the Irons need players who are willing to drop down a division to help them secure immediate promotion, regardless of who else shows interest.

If Disasi wants to wait and see if he gets a better offer, which it appears that he now has, then he was not right for the three-time FA Cup winners anyway.

Now, they can shift their focus to alternative targets, who are actually dedicated to the club, making an impact in the second tier, and getting them back to where they belong.

It is a shame, as Disasi would have been top-quality in the Championship, but his decision is not a surprise, given that Nuno's side are not in the top-flight.