Crystal Palace 'confident' of winning the race for Euro U21 winner amidst Everton interest

Crystal Palace have endured a difficult summer so far, but the Selhurst Park club will hope things are on the up as we approach the final few weeks before the beginning of the new Premier League season.

Palace enjoyed arguably the greatest day in the club’s history in May as the Eagles defeated Manchester City 1-0 to win the FA Cup at Wembley but things have largely gone downhill from there, amidst a battle with UEFA which has resulted in the club being demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League as their reward for winning the domestic trophy.

Key players have also been linked with exits. There has been interest from Arsenal in Eberechi Eze and from Liverpool in Marc Guehi, while several others in the Eagles’ starting XI have been targeted by other clubs this summer. Incomings have been scarce amidst all the uncertainty but that could be about to change.

Crystal Palace to step up interest in England U21 star Hayden Hackney

According to reports by TBR Football, Crystal Palace are one of the clubs interested in signing Middlesborough star Hayden Hackney. The Eagles are ‘confident’ they will be able to beat out rival interest from the likes of Everton to land the coveted midfielder.

Palace are set to step up their interest in the 23-year-old and are ‘optimistic’ of getting a deal done. The belief is that Boro would like the future of Hackney sorted sooner rather than later, so that they can invest funds in improving new manager Rob Edwards’ squad. Hackney has been tracked by Premier League sides for some time now and cost cost just over £20m to prise away from the club he has been at for 14 years.

Hackney was a part of Lee Carsley’s England U21 squad which were victorious in bringing home the trophy for a second consecutive time. Hackney largely appeared as a substitute and did not feature in the final against Germany, but he made a significant contribution in providing the assist for Harvey Elliott’s winner in the semi-final.

Hayden Hackney could fit in well at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have developed a reputation in recent years for picking up talented young players from the Championship and offering them the chance to star for an established Premier League club. As one of few sides in the division where there is neither intense media scrutiny nor the pressure of regular relegation worries, Palace offer young players the chance to step up and shine.

Eze, Michael Olise and Adam Wharton are prime examples of this and Hackney could easily become the next player on the EFL conveyor belt to arrive at Selhurst Park. TBR Football’s report goes on to suggest that Hackney is viewed by Palace as a potential long-term successor to Will Hughes in midfield, meaning he could grow into an important role for the Eagles over time.

For Palace fans, securing the signing of a primary transfer target could indicate that an uncertain summer is about to change for the better ahead of what is set to be a very exciting year for the club, regardless of which European competition they ultimately take part in.