Hayden Hackney in demand as Crystal Palace prepare move

Crystal Palace have emerged as frontrunners in the race to land midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough this summer.

Hackney looks set to leave Boro in the summer after Kim Hellberg's side failed to seal promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs and there are no shortage of teams interested.

Hackney has been a target for Everton, who submitted an initial bid of around £12million last week before increasing their offer for the midfielder up to £15million, but that dismissed by Boro, who value the 23-year-old in the region of £25million.

And now the Eagles are rivalling the Toffees for a deal, amid reports that the London club are prepared to splash out up to £20million on the talented England Under-21 man.

Hackney in high demand

Hackney caught the eye for Middlesbrough last season, helping them to a fifth-place finish in the Championship which secured a play-off spot, as he was a mainstay in the middle of the park, making 41 appearances in all competitions.

Even though he was largely deployed in a defensive role, Hackney proved he can go box-to-box, scoring six times overall, while his creativity is not in doubt as he weighed in with eight assists.

His performances have led to Everton making him a top summer target and it is believed the Boro star would be keen on a switch to Merseyside.

However, the Blues are, so far at least, way off the Teessiders' asking price and would have to cough up significantly more to land him.

Palace could leave Toffees unstuck

Palace's interest means Everton now have stiff competition for his signature as the Eagles plot a summer rebuild following the departure of boss Oliver Glasner.

And the fact Palace, who are 40/1 for a top-four finish in 2026-27, can offer European football next season following their UEFA Conference League triumph could persuade Hackney to make the switch to Selhurst Park.

The Eagles, who are 11/2 to be relegated, are set to appoint Pierre Sage as their new manager after he impressed in charge of Lens in France last term.

Sage guided his side to second place in Ligue 1 and also won the Coupe de France and it is believed he has indicated to the Selhurst Park hierarchy that he would be keen on raiding Boro for Hackney.

Hackney an international star in the making

Hackney is being mentioned as a possible full England international in the not-too-distant future and he already has represented the Three Lions at Under-21 level 13 times, after initially turning out for Scotland as a junior, making five appearances for their U21s.

Hackney has steadily improved at Boro in the past four years, growing in stature in the side and it now looks like a move to the Premier League is inevitable.

Boro may have to bow to the inevitable

Boro, who are 10/3 to be promoted next season, will do all they can to keep one of their prized assets, but also know a big-money offer would be difficult to turn down.

Hull City, who are preparing for the top-flight after edging out Boro in the play-off final at Wembley last month, have also been mentioned as an interested party, but a move to a more established team such as Palace or Everton looks far more likely.

Everton - 20/1 to finish in the top four next season - will want to improve on last term's 13th-place finish and see Hackney as a vital new addition to improve their squad.

Palace, meanwhile, will want to build on their first-ever European success as they prepare for a season in the UEFA Europa League next term, and Hackney would be quality addition to their ranks.

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.