Crystal Palace 'expected' to accelerate Chris Richards talks after record-breaking display

Crystal Palace are planning to accelerate contract talks with Chris Richards when he returns to South London after the World Cup.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a strong start to his World Cup campaign with the USA, playing a key role in their opening-game win against Paraguay in Los Angeles.

In that 4-1 win, the centre-back completed the most passes with 100 per cent accuracy by any player in a World Cup match since 1966.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace are determined to keep Richards at the club for the long-term future.

The Eagles are determined to keep their best players at the club this summer as they hope to avoid significant changes following Oliver Glasner's departure.

Richards has been a crucial part of the side which has lifted the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League, and could now extend his stay in South London.

Brown told Football Insider on 8 June that Crystal Palace are doing everything in their power to agree a new contract with Richards before the new season starts.

Talks are already believed to have taken place over an extension before he travelled to the World Cup, and they are expected to resume when he returns.

After a strong start for the USA, their optimism of going deep into the tournament has grown, and Palace will be hoping Richards can continue to play a key role.

"Crystal Palace rate Chris Richards very highly," Brown told Football Insider.

"At first, he was on the fringes of the squad, but he really worked his way in under Oliver Glasner and he's been crucial for all of the success Palace have had recently.

"I say this all the time, by Crystal Palace know they need to get their best players tied down to new contracts and avoid too much upheaval.

"Richards' performances at the World Cup won't change anything from a Palace point of view, they know how good he is and his performances for the USA won't make a difference.

"But it's something I expect will happen after the World Cup, talks have already taken place, but I expect he'll want to focus on progressing with the USA at the moment.

"Then, when he's back, they can sit down and reach an agreement properly with the full focus being on Crystal Palace."

Richards is not the only player in line for a contract extension at Selhurst Park, with plans being put in place behind the scenes to prevent their star names leaving.

While the centre-back is near the top of their list, speculation surrounding the likes of Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta has led to increased uncertainty.

Brown told Football Insider last month that Crystal Palace will offer a new contract to Dean Henderson in an attempt to tie him down and deter any potential suitors.

The goalkeeper has established himself as a crucial part of Palace's side and became the club captain following Marc Guehi's exit in January.

Meanwhile, Palace have also offered a new contract to Daichi Kamada and hope to convince him to stay, while they opted to trigger a one-year extension for Jefferson Lerma.