Crystal Palace are looking to strengthen their squad after qualifying for the Europa League, and are ready to make their first move of the summer transfer window.
The Eagles qualified for the tournament after winning the Conference League, their third trophy in 12 months after the FA Cup and Community Shield, and despite losing manager Oliver Glasner at the end of his contract, they are looking to continue their upwards trajectory.
The club are braced for interest in a number of their top stars as the window progresses, but owner Steve Parish is pushing to keep the squad together and add to it, starting with a highly sought-after midfield talent.
Crystal Palace Set to Bid for Hackney
Hayden Hackney
According to the reliable Bobby Manzi, Crystal Palace are preparing a £20m offer to sign Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney this summer.
Hackney, who has been described as 'the next Declan Rice', is expected to leave the Riverside this summer after they failed to secure a place in the Premier League, while he is entering the final 12 months of his contract with the club too.
Everton are understood to be the frontrunners for his signature, but have tabled two offers worth £12m and £15m for his services, which is way below what his current club are looking for.
Now Palace are hoping to gazump them with a £20m offer of their own, although Boro are believed to be holding out for around £25m despite his contract status.
Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton's futures are uncertain, and with European football to offer next season they may be able to convince the 23-year-old to make the move to south London instead of Merseyside.
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Crystal Palace Must Repeat Trick for Hackney
Hayden Hackney applauding the Middlesbrough supporters
Palace have impressed in the transfer market in recent years by being the side to take a gamble on top Championship talent, develop them, and then reap the rewards.
It's something that they have done with the likes of Wharton, Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise in recent years, and those players have all gone on to become top talents playing at the highest level. Hackney has the potential to do the same, and that means them going for a deal makes sense.
They have European football, they have the perfect pathway to regular first-team football for him, and they have the cash to get Middlesbrough to sanction a move, so this is one to keep a close eye on.