(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Tue 3 March 2026 17:19, UK

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Crystal Palace are viewing a permanent move for Aston Villa loanee Evann Guessand as a “no-brainer,” sources have told Football Insider.

The Eagles’ hierarchy are said to be pleased with the impact that the forward has made since his arrival in January, and they are already planning to exercise their clause to turn the loan switch into a permanent one.

Guessand has hit two goals in his first six appearances for the South Londoners, and sources have indicated that Steve Parish and Co. expect it to be a “straightforward” deal to strike if he continues to impress.

Aston Villa remain adamant that the 24-year-old has no long-term future in the second city, and as a result, Unai Emery will not do anything to try to alter the initial agreement.

The player’s stance is that he would be open to joining Palace permanently.

Crystal Palace need striker addition amid Jean-Philippe Mateta latest

The Palace hierarchy have already decided that they need further attacking reinforcements for next season, with Jean-Philippe Mateta still likely to depart this summer.

The French frontman was set to join AC Milan during the recent January window, but ultimately failed a medical, prompting the move to collapse at the eleventh hour.

However, former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that Mateta’s value will not decrease significantly if he gets back fit and firing before the end of the season.

The Scottish businessman was adamant that the 28-year-old can still be sold for a sizeable fee in the summer, despite him entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

Palace still look to set to profit from him, and they have already outlined Guessand as the man to come in and provide greater depth to their attack.

Dean Henderson’s Crystal Palace exit stance

Football Insider revealed on Monday that goalkeeper Dean Henderson has no intention of pushing to leave Crystal Palace any time soon, despite recent interest from Tottenham.

The Eagles are prepared to block any possibility of an exit for the 28-year-old, who would be content to remain at Selhurst for another year at least.

Henderson is understood to be happy at Palace and is relishing the role of captain after Marc Guehi’s departure, while his relationship with the fanbase is incredibly strong.

As a result, any chance of Tottenham being able to make a move for him this summer look set to hit the buffers before they have ever truly begun, with neither the player nor the selling club desperate to make a deal happen.