Crystal Palace ready bid to pip Everton to Hayden Hackney

Crystal Palace are preparing a bid to beat Everton to Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, with reports placing a package near £20 million as the club aims to secure the Championship standout ahead of a Europa League campaign. Middlesbrough reportedly value Hackney at around £25 million after a season in which he scored five goals and provided seven assists in 39 Championship appearances and earned a spot in the division’s Team of the Season. Everton previously offered £12 million, then £15 million, but Palace hope to prevail amid interest from both clubs as Hackney’s value continues to rise.