Crystal Palace face Charlie Cresswell race as Rennes push for deal

Crystal Palace remain interested in signing Charlie Cresswell, but the Eagles risk losing the Toulouse defender to Stade Rennais unless they accelerate their plans.

Rennes have already reached an agreement with the 23-year-old and submitted an offer to Toulouse, according to L’Equipe. However, that proposal is understood to fall short of the €25 million valuation placed on the centre-back.

That gap has kept the door open for Palace. Toulouse want the strongest possible deal for Cresswell and are prepared to wait for other interested clubs, leaving the Eagles with an opportunity despite Rennes making the first serious move.

Palace’s interest comes at a time of uncertainty over Maxence Lacroix, who has been linked with a €55m move to Chelsea after the World Cup.

The Eagles are yet to make a formal offer for Cresswell because they are waiting for clarity over Lacroix’s future. That delay has allowed Rennes to move ahead, agree terms with the player and begin negotiations with Toulouse.

Yet the French club have not completed the transfer. Rennes are reportedly reluctant to meet Toulouse’s full asking price, while Cresswell’s current employers would prefer to sell to the highest bidder.

That is where Palace can still change the direction of the deal.

The London club have Premier League resources and a clear potential need at centre-back if Lacroix leaves. The difficulty is timing. Waiting until after the World Cup may provide certainty over the French defender, but it could also give Rennes enough time to reach a compromise with Toulouse.

New Palace manager Pierre Sage adds another significant element to the story. He previously wanted Cresswell while in charge of RC Lens, meaning the interest is not based solely on the club’s current search for a possible Lacroix replacement.

That familiarity could matter if Palace decide to make a formal approach.

Cresswell has built considerable experience in France since leaving Leeds United for Toulouse in July 2024. The English defender has made 66 appearances for the Ligue 1 club and remains under contract until 2028, giving Toulouse a strong negotiating position.

His situation also explains why the French club are in no hurry to accept Rennes’ opening proposal. Cresswell is an established player with several years remaining on his deal, and Toulouse know another bidder could improve the market for him.

Based on Palace’s current situation, the transfer is therefore tied closely to what happens with Lacroix. The Eagles have reason to wait before committing significant money, but the longer they do so, the greater the risk that Rennes find an agreement first.

Rennes have made more progress than Palace and should be considered the current frontrunners. They have identified Cresswell as their preferred replacement for Jérémy Jacquet following his €70m sale and have already secured the player’s agreement.

However, personal terms are only one part of the transfer.

Toulouse’s insistence on maximising the fee means Palace have not been shut out. If the Eagles receive firm indications that Lacroix will leave and then move quickly with an acceptable offer, they could still disrupt Rennes’ plans.

There is no guarantee they will do so. Palace have not yet submitted a bid, and much will depend on how quickly Lacroix’s future is resolved after France’s World Cup campaign.

Palace’s next move is likely to depend on Lacroix. France’s World Cup campaign means the defender’s future may not become clear immediately, but Rennes are already working to close the gap with Toulouse.

If Palace want Cresswell, they may have to decide whether to act before Lacroix’s situation is fully resolved. Rennes currently have the advantage, but Toulouse’s stance means a late intervention from Selhurst Park could still change the outcome.

Should Crystal Palace move for Charlie Cresswell now, or wait until Maxence Lacroix’s future is settled?