Palace and Richards hold positive contract talks

[Getty Images]

Crystal Palace are keen to extend Chris Richards' contract on improved terms, with the defender having emerged as a regular starter in south London.

Talks over extending the 26-year-old centre-back's deal began in November and are now reaching a key stage, with Richards set either to renew or to delay discussions until after the World Cup.

Richards remains on the initial contract he signed when joining from Bayern Munich in 2022 for just over £10m, which is due to expire at the end of next season.

One of the USA's leaders, along with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Tim Ream, Richards is set to play a key role at the World Cup, which will be largely based in his home country.

Although he is happy at Selhurst Park, Richards would be ready to sign a new deal on suitable terms, reflecting his increased importance to Palace after a historic campaign.

Having helped Palace reach their first ever European final, against Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League on 27 May, Richards is among the regular starters to have played more than 4,000 minutes across 48 appearances this season.