Reports coming out of France are indicating that Crystal Palace target Charlie Cresswell has agreed terms with Stade Rennais ahead of a £22 million move from fellow Ligue Un club Toulouse. 

Palace had reportedly held talks with Cresswells’ representatives, but it now seems they’ll have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements. 

With that in mind, here’s three players that Palace should target to bolster Pierre Sage’s backline.

Palace were linked with Pavlović last Summer, and again when Marc Guéhi left the club in January. Since then, Manchester United have also been linked, which could create tough competition for his signature. 

Pavlović stands at 6”4, and has been a consistent starter for Milan. The Rossoneri reportedly value him at around £35m, and could be open to selling after they missed out on Champions League qualification last season. 

Milan will be competing against Palace in the Europa League this season, which could deter Milan from selling to a direct rival, however the pull of Premier League football, and more importantly Premier League money could see Palace make a move for the 25-year-old Serbian international. 

He’s athletic, strong in one v ones and scored five goals in Serie A last season. He’d be an addition of guaranteed quality and would supplement the Palace backline well.

One of Pierre Sage’s reliable starters during their historic campaign last season, Ganiou would be an exciting young addition to the squad. 

At just 21, he has shown all the signs of becoming a top defender and is part of France’s ridiculously talented Under-21 side, which Jaydee Canvot also plays in. 

A fee in the region of £20m could be enough to force Lens to sell, and with Sage having already succeeded with him, a deal would make sense. Signing Ganiou would not only bolster Sage’s immediate squad options, but it would also set up Palace’s defence superbly for the future. 

With Canvot (19) and Chadi Riad (23) already at the club, Ganiou would join them in securing Palace’s defensive depth and quality for the long term.

Despite struggling in Ecuador’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the Round of 32 at the World Cup, Ordóňez is a player who has been heavily coveted by many of Europe’s top clubs. 

This shouldn’t put Palace off, as the South London club has proven time and again the platform they can provide to young talents, acting as a springboard to the elite step in players’ careers. 

Palace attempted to sign the 22-year-old in January, and Ordóňez was reportedly left frustrated by the lack of a move. He has an eye for goal, scoring 4 Jupiler Pro League goals last season, and although Brugge will once again compete in the Champions League after winning the Belgium title last season, Ordóňez could still be drawn away if a suitable offer is made. 

This is probably the most ambitious of the three selections, but Ordóňez would add both quality and youth to Sage’s squad. A fee in the region of £30-£35m could be enough, and would almost guarantee profit in the long term. 

Palace’s need to strengthen falls somewhat to the future of Maxence Lacroix, as the current options are sufficient, but should the Frenchman leave Selhurst Park this Summer, securing one of the three names above would be adequate business.