Leeds United are ramping up their transfer efforts and are keen to complete a few deals before pre-season preparations begin in the next couple of weeks.
The Whites already have a deal in place to sign Harry Wilson, who will complete a move to Elland Road this week, once his contract with Fulham officially expires.
Leeds have also agreed on a deal to sell Pascal Struijk to Brighton for an initial fee of £15m and another £3m in add-ons, based on appearances and performances.
They are in the market for a centre-back, and a familiar former Leeds defender could be returning to England amid interest from Crystal Palace this summer.
Crystal Palace are in talks with Charlie Cresswell
A product of the Leeds academy, Charlie Cresswell left Leeds in 2024 after struggling to get any meaningful minutes under Daniel Farke.
He has emerged as one of the most sought-after young defenders through his performances for Toulouse in France, and have been linked with a return to the Premier League since last year.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign the former Leeds centre-back in the ongoing transfer window.
Palace sold Marc Guehi in January, and Maxence Lacroix could leave in the summer amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Eagles are in the market for a centre-back, and Cresswell has emerged as a top target for the London club this summer.
Palace are already in talks with the centre-back’s representatives to gauge the feasibility of a deal to sign him in the ongoing transfer window,
Cresswell is prioritising a move to the Premier League if he decides to leave Toulouse this summer.
A return to Leeds seems improbable
Leeds are in the market for a centre-back due to Pascal Struijk’s departure, and are considering several options ahead of making a move.
However, Cresswell returning to Leeds this summer seems improbable as he is not the profile of defender they need, and his relationship with Farke was not the best when he left.
The former Leeds defender is almost certain to return to the Premier League at some point, and Palace are keen to secure a deal to sign him this summer.
However, Leeds are likely to remain out of this transfer saga and are considering other centre-back options at this stage of the window.
Cresswell will line up against Leeds at some point if he returns to the Premier League this summer.
Farke should swallow his pride and bring back Cresswell who is now more mature and experienced. He would be easier to integrate than any newcomer.