Crystal Palace are battling Fulham and Rennes to sign Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell, according to Football Insider.
The move for Cresswell has become more important following Maxence Lacroix’s £52million move to Chelsea.
Toulouse have reportedly rejected a £19.7m offer from Rennes for the 23-year-old. The French club’s decision suggests Palace would need to submit a substantial bid to complete the deal.
Fulham are also interested as Cresswell considers a possible return to English football.
Football Insider previously reported that the defender would welcome a move to Palace. Pierre Sage is also familiar with Cresswell following his own time managing in Ligue 1.
Charlie Cresswell Crystal Palace transfer gathers pace
Palace require another central defender after Lacroix completed his £52m Chelsea transfer.
The Eagles had been working on a deal for Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima. However, Football Insider claims those discussions have ended after the clubs failed to reach an agreement.
Cresswell joined Toulouse from Leeds United in 2024 after previously spending a season on loan at Millwall.
The England Under-21 international has developed into an important player in France. He recorded three goals and two assists in Ligue 1 last season while averaging a 7.04 FotMob rating.
His physical strength and aerial ability could suit Palace’s three-man defence. Cresswell also possesses experience of English football and would arrive with room to develop further.
Palace are assessing several defensive options, including Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jayden Oosterwolde. Cresswell would provide a younger long-term solution, although Rennes’ rejected bid has established a significant starting price.
The Charlie Cresswell Crystal Palace transfer may now depend on whether the Eagles are prepared to reinvest a sizeable portion of the Lacroix fee.
