Crystal Palace boost in pursuit of Champions League star and rival Leeds United in Middlesbrough transfer race

Crystal Palace are competing with Leeds United and Bournemouth to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz this summer with the 24-year-old seemingly destined for the Premier League.

The Irish Independent carried reports of Eagles interest and predicts a three-team race for the player, who scored 12 Championship goals and registered 11 assists in 46 appearances this term. Crystal Palace are expected to have the edge thanks to Europa League football and were already credited with interest in Azaz earlier this season.

Azaz signed for Boro from Aston Villa in January 2024 for £4 million and a £20 million asking price is touted. Speaking about the player last month, Michael Carrick told The Northern Echo: “We’ve seen what he’s capable of this season and what he can go on to achieve.

Crystal Palace race Leeds United for Middlesbrough talent

"The amount he’s produced this season is really impressive. He’s brought variety into his play and has played across different roles as well. He can find that pass, he can find that moment and he can find that bit of quality to finish. He’s dangerous in those positions.

"We’ve seen teams recently make a big effort to stop him, and that’s understandable. Knowing Finn, he’s probably a little disappointed he hasn’t had even more. It’s a really good sign. He’s got to have patience and belief to keep going. Over the course of the season he’s done terrific."

Meanwhile, Revelo journalist Matteo Moretto has reported that contract negotiations between Lee Kang-in and Paris Saint-Germain have stalled in a potential boost to Premier League suitors. Moretto took to social media platform X and wrote: “Negotiations for Lee Kang-in's renewal with Paris Saint-Germain have stalled, and the Korean could become one of the big names in the summer transfer window.

“Several clubs are closely monitoring his situation, although none have finalized anything with PSG so far. Naples, Premier League teams, Spanish and Saudi Arabian teams are all on the lookout.”

Crystal Palace boost in Lee Kang-in pursuit

One of those teams is believed to be Crystal Palace and a potential breakdown in contract talk comes as a boost. Last week reports from South Korea transfer specialist Han-jun Lee claimed that Crystal Palace had ‘stepped up’ interest in Lee Kang-in. The Eagles outfit had first been linked with the versatile Paris Saint-Germain man by French outfit Foot 01 in April.

At the time, that seemed like an ambitious coup. Kang-in is playing Champions League football with PSG, and could win that tournament this year, having arrived at the French giants for €22 million in 2023. However, Crystal Palace can now offer the promise of Europe and greater minutes than he is seeing at the Parc des Princes.

Kang-in has scored 11 goals and picked up 11 assists in his 81 PSG appearances, winning Ligue 1 in 2024 and 2025. He also has 10 goals in 36 outings for the South Korea national side and featured in every match of the nation’s 2022 World Cup campaign.

Han-jun Lee had added that Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United are also monitoring the player with Nottingham Forest said to have ‘stepped up’ their interest too. PSG are expected to be willing to let the South Korea international leave the Parc des Princes for the €22 million (£18.5 million) paid for him two years ago.

In other news, The 2 players likely to leave Crystal Palace this summer - and 3 who probably won't.