Crystal Palace Exclusive: Middlesbrough would accept 'big' offer

Middlesbrough would be tempted by a “big” offer from Crystal Palace for Rav van den Berg, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Eagles are looking to add depth to their squad in January, with a new centre-back on their list of targets.

The 20-year-old was voted Middlesbrough’s Young Player of the Season last time out and has retained his status as a key part of Michael Carrick’s starting XI.

His ability to play at right-back as well as his usual centre-back position would allow Palace to add further depth to their defence and bring in extra cover for Daniel Munoz.

Football Insider revealed on 16 November that Crystal Palace are aiming to sign the best young talents from the Championship as part of their long-term plan.

However, they are set to be rivalled in their pursuit of Van Den Berg by fellow Premier League sides as well as interested parties in Europe.

Boro are reluctant to lose their star centre-back, but could find it difficult to turn down a big offer.

Crystal Palace told ‘big’ offer could land Rav van den Berg deal

The centre-back, who is the brother of former Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg, is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Championship.

Since moving to the Riverside from Dutch outfit PEC Zwolle in the summer of 2023, he has made 47 appearances for Middlesbrough and has established himself as a key player.

So far this season, he has appeared in eight of their 15 league games so far, having missed their last three games after suffering a knee injury.

Boro remain hopeful of earning promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, and the central defender is viewed as key to their ambitions.

However, interest from Premier League outfits may prove too much to resist, while a substantial offer would force them into a decision and they could cash in.

Football Insider revealed on 19 November that Palace have been making regular checks on Van Den Berg’s progress for over 18 months and are ready to test Boro’s resolve.

In other news, Stefan Borson drops Crystal Palace ownership claim after John Textor latest.

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The post Crystal Palace Exclusive: Middlesbrough would accept 'big' offer appeared first on Football Insider.