Crystal Palace have now emerged as major contenders to sign a "top player" this summer, David Ornstein has revealed.

Palace keen on new midfielder despite Kamada and Wharton impressing

It was another season to remember for Palace, with Oliver Glasner winning his third trophy in the space of a year, courtesy of a 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano in the Europa Conference League final.

Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada were the midfield duo on the night, and journalist Ruairidh Barlow believes they played a major role in the triumph.

However, Kamada's days at Selhurst Park could be numbered, with the Japan international's contract due to expire this summer, and the Eagles have set out to sign a new central midfielder.

Barcelona star Marc Casado is among the targets, with a £22m offer recently being lodged for the Spaniard, who is also of interest to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

However, a target from much closer to home has also been identified.

Crystal Palace serious contenders to sign "top player"

According to Ornstein, in a report for The Athletic, Crystal Palace have now emerged as serious contenders to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, with the Championship side recently setting an asking price in the region of £25m.

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton also hold a firm interest in signing the Boro captain though, and his current preference is to link up with David Moyes at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Hackney is expected to leave Middlesbrough this summer, following their 1-0 defeat against Hull City in the Championship play-off final, as it could be their last opportunity to cash-in, given that there is just one year remaining on his current contract.

Nottingham Forest have been preparing to make a quick move, but Palace are now plotting a hijack, with the race for the midfielder's signature heating up.

Boro manager Kim Hellberg may be very disappointed to lose the 23-year-old, having said back in January: "He's very important, of course. He's a top player and person. In every aspect of the game he's good, defensively and offensively.

"I like him very much and if I had to decide I would say he's not for sale, but it will not come down to me."

As pointed out by Hellberg, the Englishman is adept on the front foot, which is showcased by the number of goal involvements he amassed in the Championship during the 2025-26 season.

Hayden Hackney's Championship stats

• 3,314 minutes played
• 5 goals
• 8 assists
• 83 chances created
• 5 defeats
• 1.5 successful dribbles per 90
• 57.1 accurate passes per 90

A well-rounded player, the maestro also excels at winning back possession, doing so in the final third an average of 0.9 times per 90 in the Championship last term, the most of any Boro player.

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