Crystal Palace target labelled 'best' on pitch hours after Liverpool reject £15m bid

Crystal Palace transfer target Ben Doak was named as the 'best' Middlesbrough player on the pitch during a 1-1 Championship draw with Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon, just hours after the Eagles saw a £15 million bid rejected by Liverpool.

The winger is on loan at Boro from the Reds and has been a key part of Michael Carrick's side so far this term. The Premier League leaders have the option to recall the 19-year-old, which has prompted some early January transfer window bids.

The Athletic reported that the Eagles offered £15 million for the rising star this weekend with Ipswich Town also suitors, having sent a £16 million offer. Both of those bids were batted away by Liverpool, who are believed to be keen on letting the player continue his development at the Riverside Stadium - although a £30 million offer is said to be enough to change the Merseyside club's minds.

Crystal Palace target picks up another Championship assist

Doak has two goals and five assists in all competitions this term, and set up Emmanuel Latte Lath for his latest goal against Cardiff City after just 12 minutes. That effort wasn't enough to pick up three points for Middlesbrough, with Callum Chambers levelling for the visitors fewer than 10 minutes later.

The Northern Echo labelled Doak as the standout man for Middlesbrough with a 7/10 performance. The outlet wrote: "Created the goal and caused Cardiff all sorts of problems in the first half. Contained after the break but still had one break down the left that almost led to a goal."

That sort of praise will help drive Doak's price tag up amid Premier League interest already. Boro boss Michael Carrick is aware of the interest but adamant that the winger, who won the EFL Young Player of the Month award in December, will complete his loan spell at Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough determined to keep Ben Doak

The ex Tottenham Hotspur and Man Utd player recently told BBC Radio Tees: “It’s everything you want. In terms of the level (he’s reached), it’s very difficult to envision something happening so quickly.

"There’s no getting away from it, Ben’s having a really good time of it at the moment. He’s playing some good football and looking dangerous.

"The opportunity for him to come here and play and be part of the squad - he’s obviously confident. We know his strengths, it’s pretty obvious what he’s good at and he’s taken that on to Scotland as well.

"We're really pleased with him, but for us it doesn’t change anything. It’s a long season so we’re certainly not getting carried away but it’s great to see him thriving at the moment. Then obviously going to Scotland and having an impact for them, it’s fantastic for Ben and great for us that he's with us and playing so well.

"We have still got to be careful, he’s still young, we have got to manage him and preparing him for going through the whole season."