Crystal Palace are now lining up a £27m double swoop for a "terrific" defender and a "monster" midfielder, according to a report.

Palace eyeing new defender with Guehi exit increasingly likely

Marc Guehi has just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, meaning this summer is Palace's last chance to cash-in for a large fee, and Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now revealed the centre-back is edging closer to the exit door.

As such, Oliver Glasner faces the difficult task of finding a replacement for his captain, but there has now been a breakthrough in the pursuit of Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande, with widespread recent reports suggesting the Eagles are closing in on a deal.

The signing of Diomande could be viewed as a real coup, given that the likes of Newcastle United and Real Madrid have also been named as interested parties, but the Sporting ace is not the only centre-back of interest.

According to a report from The Sun, Crystal Palace are now lining up a double swoop for Middlesbrough centre-back Rav van den Berg and midfielder Hayden Hackney, which could amount to £27m.

Palace scouts have been watching the Boro duo in action at the U21 European Championship, with Hackney playing a role in England's triumph, picking up one assist in four appearances throughout the tournament.

Boro boss Rob Edwards is eager to keep hold of the midfielder, but a sale for a large fee could help the manager fund his own summer transfer business.

Hackney and Van den Berg could be savvy signings for Palace

Palace have displayed a good eye for signing top Championship talents in the past, with Eberechi Eze arriving from Queens Park Rangers and going on to score the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

There are also signs the Middlesbrough duo could go on to be successes in the Premier League, with Hackney being lauded as a "monster" by one analyst, picking up five goals and three assists in the Championship last term.

At 23-years-old, the defensive midfielder is at a good age to be a long-term success at Selhurst Park, and the same can be said about 20-year-old Van den Berg, who received high praise from Michael Carrick last season.

"He's a terrific individual, really grounded and humble, terrific character and great attitude. He has a real calming influence but quite sure of himself in a really good way."

Palace should have a sizeable transfer kitty if the Guehi sale goes through, and the Middlesbrough starlets could be bargain signings at a combined £27m.