Crystal Palace backed to sign 'perfect' Charlie Cresswell after terms agreed: 'I've seen a lot of him'

Crystal Palace could yet seal a deal for Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell in the coming weeks.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the 23-year-old would be a "perfect" fit for the Eagles' current project.

The South London outfit are battling French side Rennes for the signature of the former England U21 international, with reports in France suggesting that their rivals have already agreed personal terms.

However, Wyness has urged Palace to get a deal for Cresswell done, and believes that they can still "lure" him with their Europa League football.

Rennes also have a place in European football's secondary club competition, after they finished sixth in Ligue 1 last term.

Cresswell appears to be closing in on a move to join Franck Haise's side, but Wyness believes Palace could still have a say in where his future lies.

Keith Wyness: Charlie Cresswell could repeat Marc Guehi feats

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Cresswell could go on to emulate the feats of Marc Guehi if he moved to Palace.

The England international established himself as a household name in the Premier League across a five-year stint at Selhurst Park, before earning himself a lucrative move to Manchester City.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness made it clear that he still thinks Palace have a chance of getting a deal done.

"Yeah, I do (think they have a chance). He's a talent, there's no doubt about it. I think he's a perfect Crystal Palace type player potentially coming in," he said.

"He sees the lure of the Europa League. He sees the great history that Palace have shown in terms of developing players, giving them pathways and giving them minutes. 

"I think it fits exactly what he's looking for because I do think he could be a star of the future. I've seen a lot of his tapes and I would have loved to have seen him at Everton, but I think it is going to be Palace that are going to win that battle.

"It would be a perfect move for both parties, and I do expect him to go forward and be like a Marc Guehi in that sense and become a top name."

Crystal Palace backed to seal move for Folarin Balogun

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that Palace remain long-term admirers of Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.

The forward is enjoying an impressive World Cup with the USA, and that has caused interest in his services to spike across Europe.

Brown made it clear that Palace are hugely keen on the 25-year-old, and could make a move for him if they lose Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah in the coming months.

Balogun struck 19 goals for Monaco in all competitions last term, and is on the radar of several Premier League clubs.