Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on young National League striker Josh Stones, according to TEAMtalk. 

The lowdown

The 18-year-old marksman is currently playing for Guiseley in the National League North.

He has made 11 appearances in the division so far this season, seven from the start and four from the bench, and he scored his first goal for the club away at AFC Telford shortly before Christmas.

Stones recently had the opportunity to captain an England schoolboy side against a Palace academy outfit. Not only did he score in the 1-1 draw, he also struck the post and gave the young Eagles' defence 'headaches' with his 'constant chasing' (via Schools Football).

The latest

The report from TEAMtalk stated that 'plenty' of scouts were in attendance for that friendly against the Eagles.

Palace liked what they saw and could make a move, but Newcastle United are also showing a strong interest as they eye teenage talents for their 'long-term project'.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley and Watford are named as admirers too, in addition to Huddersfield and Middlesbrough in the Championship, and Sunderland in League One.

The verdict

Palace may have a key advantage in transfer battles like this one.

The club have only recently forked out £20m on a state-of-the-art academy facility and their aim is to operate on a level playing field with the very best youth setups in the country.

If they can invite young talents like Stones for a tour, perhaps they'll be so impressed by what's available to them that they'll choose the south London club over rival suitors.

Furthermore, Palace have fielded one of the youngest line-ups in the Premier League under Patrick Vieira, and that bodes well for starlets who may be concerned about a lack of progression opportunities elsewhere.

In other news, Matt Woosnam was delighted with this Palace gem's performance against Watford