Crystal Palace target Nathan Ferguson has received rave reviews

It seems that West Bromwich Albion could face a difficult task if they wish to keep Nathan Ferguson as he rapidly approaches the end of his contract in the summer.

According to a report from the Daily Mail in October 2019, Palace have identified the Baggies youngster as a player who could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at the club.

But according The Sun, the Eagles will face competition from both AC Milan and Spurs for his signature, though there is a suggestion the English sides will wait until his contract expires in the summer before making a move.

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Ferguson has been something of a revelation in the current campaign and has established himself as a regular under Slaven Bilic.

For that reason, the reported interest doesn't really come as a surprise.

But who exactly is this rising star and what could he bring to Palace?

To answer those questions, we sought the opinions of those who know him best...

Slaven Bilic, current West Brom coach

Ferguson's current gaffer is already seriously impressed by the youngster's ability and the composure he's showing.

But apart from just praising his pure skill, Bilic was quick to point out that the 19-year-old (who was 18 at the time of the interview) has the mentality of a much more experienced player.

Here's what he said, as quoted by FourFourTwo:

"Nathan has a mentality that reminds me of Declan Rice.

"He’s only 18 on paper but his mind is 25 or 27 – he’s not a kid. He’s only a kid in a positive way in that he’s not afraid to take the ball forward and have a shot.

"It’s our job to keep him humble but there’s no doubt that he has an extremely bright future and a great career in front of him."

Keith Andrews, Sky Sports pundit

Andrews has been so impressed by Ferguson's breakout season that he went as far to label the youngster as the best player in the Championship so far.

He praised his attitude and willingness to defend and mentioned those traits as crucial parts of his player profile.

Here's what he said on Sky Sport’s EFL podcast in December [24:49]:

"For me it’s Nathan Ferguson I was there for his debut against Nottingham Forest, we were surprised to see him start even though he’d played through pre-season, and you’re always wondering how someone that young is going to deal with first-team football and it was amazing, it was amazing to watch how easily he slotted in.

“Defensively and I know recently this is something we always judge full-backs on what they do going forwards, but this fella loves defending, he’s come up against some of the best attacking players in the division and he’s had them in his pocket.

"And the way West Brom set up is perfect because he stays behind and picks and chooses when he goes beyond and the left-back Gibbs is the one who goes forward in advance."

Did he really play for us?! No Palace fan has managed to name all of these obscure Eagles signings....

Lee Hendrie, pundit

Another pundit who has been left in awe of Ferguson's performances is Hendrie, who was extremely quick to heap praise on the youngster following his display against Preston North End.

West Brom barely salvaged the three points in that clash but the 19-year-old enjoyed another superb performance, with the pundit comparing him to a young Kyle Walker.

Here's what Hendrie said to SkySports afterwards, as quoted by Birmingham Mail:

"I’ve screamed and shouted about him before. He’s a Midlands lad, he’s got so much composure, some of the things he does…he takes a chance, you don’t see a lot of that from such a young man.

"You look at the best full-backs in the league, in the Premier League even, he’s a younger Kyle Walker for me. He’s got so much potential to go forward, he’s quick, he’s good on the ball, and he can get forward and shoot and score goals."