Crystal Palace are expected to resume contract talks with Chris Richards after the World Cup.Richards is heading into the final season of his contract, albeit there is an option for an additional year. Daily Mail Sport understands the parties had constructive negotiations before the World Cup but paused them so that United States international Richards could focus on his home tournament.There is a willingness to agree fresh terms, with the 26-year-old content at Palace having won the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League in the space of 12 months. He joined Palace in 2022 from Bayern Munich and has since made 122 appearances for the Eagles.He started the United States’ first two matches at the World Cup, beating Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0 before missing the defeat by Turkey. Palace’s back three has been integral to their success over the past two seasons, with Richards playing a key role. Oliver Glasner’s successor this season Pierre Sage also deploys a three-man defence. Chris Richards is content at Palace having won the FA Cup , Community Shield and UEFA Conference League in the space of 12 monthsWhat’s happening with Lacroix?Maxence Lacroix is admired by Chelsea, who are assessing four options to improve their defence.The France international, who is open to leaving this summer, still has three years remaining on his contract – allowing Palace to demand top whack for the defender. But Palace sources insist there has yet to be any contact from their London rivals.Palace will ask for more than the £52million that Brighton secured from Tottenham for Jan Paul van Hecke last month. Lacroix is also currently at the World Cup, with runaway favourites France. France international Maxence Lacroix, who is open to leaving this summer, still has three years remaining on his contract Why Palace are holding firm on MatetaAttempting to leave Palace this summer may be difficult for Jean-Philippe Mateta. Palace are relaxed about his situation and are prepared to let his contract run down.The club’s stance is that the 29-year-old will not be sold on the cheap simply because he has a year remaining on his deal. His £55,000-a-week salary represents exceptional value for a striker who has registered three consecutive seasons of more than 10 goals.His talismanic performances have more than justified the £9m investment Palace made in 2022, and they would rather retain his services for the upcoming Europa League campaign.Mateta’s camp remain keen to move him after his winter transfer to AC Milan collapsed because of a failed medical. Mateta turned down several contract offers of at least £100,000 a week from Palace, believing it would strengthen his position to push for a move elsewhere. Palace’s stance is that Mateta will not be sold on the cheap simply because he has a year remaining on his dealWhat areas are they targeting? Palace have indicated that they have learnt from last summer’s mistakes. Their squad was under-equipped to compete in both the Premier League and Conference League, with the latter eventually prioritised.Glasner’s view was that Palace did not do enough business last summer, which forced them into the winter market, where they spent over £70m on Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen.But Palace accept they need a deeper squad for the Europa League, with a centre back, central midfielder and No 10 targeted regardless of outgoings. Should Lacroix leave, Palace would look to sign another centre back. Otherwise, they believe five options, along with the ability of midfielder Jefferson Lerma to fill in, provide sufficient depth.Sporting director Matt Hobbs will execute the summer business, alongside negotiator Iain Moody, while chairman Steve Parish signs off on every deal. New manager Sage will also have input in the recruitment process.Palace have recently expanded their scouting department, while assistant sporting director Ben Stevens is set to leave for Swansea City.Henderson’s new dealFan favourite Dean Henderson is set for talks over a new contract as a reward for his stellar performances.Salary talks will centre on his increased role as captain and pivotal contributions during Palace’s golden era. He is currently tied down until summer 2028.The England goalkeeper has made 116 appearances for Palace since joining from Manchester United for £14m in 2023. Henderson captained Crystal Palace to the Conference League title in their debut European seasonKamada set to stayDaichi Kamada is set to remain at Palace. The midfielder is out of contract, but an agreement over a new deal is close.Kamada communicated his desire to remain at Palace to the Japanese press after their World Cup exit to Brazil earlier this week.‘When you consider that I can play in the Premier League, play in a European league, play in London, and have my family in a familiar environment, there aren’t many clubs better than Palace,’ Kamada said.The 29-year-old, who joined Palace two seasons ago, has formed a formidable midfield partnership with Adam Wharton in SE25, and securing his future is a significant boost. Daichi Kamada wants to continue at Crystal Palace, despite Oliver Glasner – who he worked with at Eintracht Frankfurt – leaving the clubRak-Sakyi heading for the exit Academy product Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is likely to leave this summer.Rak-Sakyi, 23, was the academy’s golden boy after an impressive loan spell at Charlton Athletic, where he won Player of the Year in the 2022-23 season. However, he has struggled to reach the same levels since.He spent the first half of last season on loan at Turkish top-flight side Caykur Rizespor, scoring four goals in 11 appearances, before returning to England for a spell at Stoke City.Last summer, Palace put a £15m asking price on the player, but that figure has since dropped now that he has only one year left on his contract. He is prioritising a move to a top-flight club, with a move to Europe the most likely outcome. Both Palace and Rak-Sakyi believe finding a new club is the best course of actionPre-season plans The Eagles will begin their preparations against Swindon Town on July 18th – the day before the World Cup final – in Sage’s first game in charge.They will then face League One side Bromley, before travelling to Lake Como for the Como Cup, where they will play two 45-minute matches and a 90-minute match.There will be no Selhurst Park friendly due to ongoing stadium works. Palace will travel to Freiburg on the weekend before the start of the season.Complicating matters is the fact Palace had 12 players at the World Cup – a tally bettered by only three Premier League clubs – leaving Sage with precious little time to get his ideas across to the majority of the regular starters.