Crystal Palace now confident of beating Everton to signing of Euro U21-winning wonderkid

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TBR Football can now exclusively reveal that Crystal Palace are optimistic about signing Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough – despite interest from Everton.

The Eagles have only made one outfield addition so far this summer in Borna Sosa – also signing a backup goalkeeper in Walter Benitez – with Crystal Palace yet to truly kick on in the market after winning the FA Cup last season.

In fairness, the battle between Crystal Palace and UEFA has largely dominated the summer for Steve Parish, who is currently unable to assure targets which European competition is on the schedule next season ahead of an appeal to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport).

Despite that, TBR Football understand Crystal Palace are now set to step up their pursuit of Hayden Hackney amidst interest from Everton.

Exclusive: Crystal Palace believe they can sign Hayden Hackney

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – has been informed that the England U21 international and reigning UEFA Euro U21 champion is set to leave Middlesbrough this summer.

We understand Crystal Palace have admired Hackney for a long time, and now feel an agreement is possible with the 23-year-old.

Boro are eager to address major sales as soon as possible in order to reinvest cash into the squad for Rob Edwards, having already agreed to sell Rav van den Berg – another player Crystal Palace admire – to Feyenoord.

TBR Football are aware that Porto and Bayer Leverkusen also like Hackney – who Tottenham scouted last term – along with Everton and Crystal Palace, but those at Selhurst Park are now confident as they prepare to accelerate their interest.

It is understood the man born in Redcar would cost a fee in the region of just over £20m – having already entered the final two years of his contract.

Crystal Palace think Hayden Hackney can replace Will Hughes

Sources have also stressed to TBR Football that Crystal Palace deem Hackney to be a long-term replacement for Will Hughes.

The Crystal Palace No.19 turns 31 next year and has also entered the final 24 months of his contract – which expires in June 2027 – so the Eagles are making succession plans over the Englishman, who impressed enough last season to win the Holmesdale Fanatics Player of the Season award.

Cheick Doucoure has also suffered with injuries in recent times, while Adam Wharton is being monitored by Tottenham and other clubs, so you can understand why Crystal Palace would like to sign a new central midfielder.