Crystal Palace and Everton race to sign ‘transformed’ defender after formal bid made
Crystal Palace and Everton are among the clubs keeping tabs on the progress of Charlie Cresswell at Toulouse as they aim to strengthen at the back.
Cresswell, 23, left Leeds United to join Toulouse in the summer of 2024 and has impressed both in Ligue 1 and for England’s Under-21 side since the move.
As a result, Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg have made two formal bids for the centre-back and recently saw a £17.4million offer rebuffed by Toulouse, who expect him to stay.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that both Palace and Everton are aware of his situation and are keeping an eye on developments.
While there are lingering doubts about whether he is the perfect fit for either club, they are weighing up the possibility of an offer after Wolfsburg’s advances.
Everton and Crystal Palace tracking Charlie Cresswell
Brown told Football Insider in November that West Ham scouts are watching Cresswell, with the Hammers also keen to strengthen at the back this month.
Palace and Everton are the latest clubs to be keeping an eye on his progress, while Wolfsburg are not the only European side also watching him closely.
“Charlie Cresswell is an interesting one,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I was never the biggest fan of his, but I have to hold my hands up, he’s worked hard to improve.
“Crystal Palace and Everton are both looking at centre-backs, they’ll want to know all of their options across Europe, not just in the Premier League and Championship.
“Cresswell is somebody they will be more than aware of and I’m sure he’s been on their radar for a while.
“Whenever a player leaves English football to go and play in France, Germany, Italy or wherever it attracts a bit of attention and clubs want to see how they do.
“He’s gone over there and impressed and done the same when he’s represented England’s Under-21s, a lot of clubs were watching his performances there.
“For clubs like Crystal Palace and Everton, there’s not a list of centre-backs the length of the country.
“It’s difficult to find people who are capable of playing in the Premier League, willing to make the move, and who are relatively affordable.
“If other clubs are making offers for him, they’ll be keeping a close eye on what’s going on and it may well tempt them to make a move as well.”
Crystal Palace plotting moves to sign Marc Guehi replacement
Cressswell is not the only centre-back on Crystal Palace’s radar as they aim to land a replacement for Marc Guehi, who recently completed a £20million to Man City.
Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace scouts have been tracking Charlie Hughes, currently of Hull City, and have been impressed by his displays.
Palace have a good record at recruiting from the Championship, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Adam Wharton signed out of the second tier.
Brown told Football Insider that Hughes would be the perfect Guehi replacement should the Eagles pursue a deal are keeping tabs on his progress.
He is comfortable and composed on the ball, able to step in to midfield to assist in the build-up, while he is the vice-captain at Hull despite his young age.
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