The arrival of Danny Imray at Crystal Palace as a 17-year-old from non-League Chelmsford City whipped up little expectation.A 2021 signing for what was then the Under-23 side, the hope was he might one day develop into a first-team contender rather than being earmarked as a guaranteed future Palace player.Palace recognised his potential at that age and brought him in without much risk for in effect a nominal fee. An exciting, attacking full-back, Imray progressed well. Now, three loan spells on, he has been left out of Palace’s squad for the Como Cup this week and is close to joining Wrexham for a fee that could rise above £5million ($6.6m).It is the type of deal Palace should be aiming to replicate.Danny Imray impressed during his latest loan spell at West Bromwich Albion last season (Simon Galloway/Getty Images)They did something similar with Justin Devenny, bringing him in from Scottish Championship side Airdrie in August 2023. Devenny was 19 and, after standing out for the under-21s, has now made 60 appearances for Palace’s first team in all competitions.Many have been as a substitute, but he has established himself as capable back-up and cover in midfield. There are obvious limitations to his game, such as an over-dependence on his left foot, but his endeavour and work rate have proven valuable to mitigate the shortcomings.If he were to be sold now, he would command a not-insignificant fee. Alternatively, he may continue to offer an extra option from the bench at Palace when others are tiring in the latter part of a game, and he would do so at a lower cost than if Palace signed someone else to act as cover.Even after 13 years in the Premier League, Palace do not have the financial might to sign expensive players to be squad options. Bringing them up from the academy or under-21 side, or signing young talent from elsewhere and developing them, is the model to which they must aspire.Justin Devenny has proved a useful squad player for Crystal Palace (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Imray’s pathway was different to Devenny’s. He spent his time out on loan and never made a senior appearance at his parent club. But in achieving such a high fee for the 23-year-old, Palace have done well. It is something they must replicate with low-risk signings who could develop into players who can be sold on for a sizeable profit.They did the same with defender Jake O’Brien, who arrived at the same time as Imray and is now a Republic of Ireland international at Everton. Signed from Cork City, his striking physical presence was always an advantage and the hope was he might progress. In the end, Palace did not feel he was likely to be at the required level to play for their first team in the Premier League.