Crystal Palace are weighing up a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney as the club continues to identify potential additions ahead of what promises to be a crucial summer transfer window.
The Eagles are understood to be preparing a bid worth £20 million for the highly-rated 23-year-old, who has emerged as one of the Championship’s most consistent midfield performers over the past two seasons. Palace’s recruitment team have monitored Hackney’s development closely and view him as a player capable of making the step up to Premier League football.
Hackney has become a key figure for Middlesbrough since breaking into the first team, establishing himself as one of the club’s most reliable performers in the centre of the park. His composure in possession, ability to dictate the tempo of matches and willingness to contribute defensively have attracted attention from a growing list of admirers.
Crystal Palace are not alone in their pursuit. Everton are also believed to be keen on the midfielder, while Hull City have shown serious interest as they look to strengthen their own squad. The increasing competition could make negotiations more complicated for Palace, although the South London club are thought to be ready to act quickly if they decide to formalise their interest.
The potential transfer comes at a time when Palace are assessing options to reinforce their midfield department. With the demands of domestic and European football expected to place greater strain on the squad next season, the club are eager to add quality and depth in several key positions.
Hackney’s age profile and room for further development are understood to be major factors behind Palace’s interest. The club have built a reputation for identifying talented young players with the potential to flourish at Premier League level, and Hackney fits that model perfectly.
Middlesbrough, however, are unlikely to make any deal straightforward. The Championship side regard the midfielder as one of their most valuable assets and would be reluctant to lose a player who has become central to their ambitions. Any offer from Palace would therefore need to reflect his importance to the club.
As the summer window gathers pace, Hackney’s future is expected to become one of the more closely watched stories outside the Premier League’s traditional transfer battles. Several clubs remain interested, and the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining where the midfielder will be playing his football next season.
For now, Palace appear to be positioning themselves at the front of the queue as they look to secure a player widely regarded as one of the brightest midfield talents outside the top flight.
“🦅⚪️Crystal Palace are preparing a £20m bid for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney! The 23-year-old is also attracting serious interest from Everton and Hull City”
