Middlesbrough are reportedly interested in a Crystal Palace player amid transfer rumours involving Hayden Hackney.

Middlesbrough Determined to Bounce Back After Promotion Heartbreak

After spending large portions of last season looking like genuine contenders for automatic promotion to the Premier League, Middlesbrough supporters are still coming to terms with the disappointment of remaining in the Championship.

For much of the campaign, Boro occupied second place in the table and appeared well positioned to secure a return to the top flight. However, a poor sequence of results during the closing stages of the season saw their automatic promotion hopes disappear.

That downturn in form forced Middlesbrough to settle for a fifth-place finish and a place in the Championship play-offs instead.

The Teesside club then faced Southampton in the play-off semi-finals, but despite their efforts, they were defeated 2-1 on aggregate and missed out on a place in the final.

Their hopes were unexpectedly revived shortly afterward when Southampton were removed from the promotion picture following the highly publicised Spygate scandal.

That decision handed Middlesbrough another opportunity to achieve promotion, but they were unable to take advantage, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Hull City at Wembley.

The outcome left players, staff and supporters frustrated, knowing how close they had come to securing a place in the Premier League.

Now attention has shifted firmly toward the new season, with Middlesbrough preparing for another promotion push in what is expected to be an increasingly competitive Championship campaign.

To ensure they remain among the division’s leading contenders, strengthening the squad will be a priority during the summer transfer window.

David Ozoh Emerges as a Potential Target

According to reports from journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon, Middlesbrough have identified Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh as a player of interest ahead of the upcoming season.

The defensive midfielder has recently returned to Selhurst Park following a loan spell with Derby County and is now facing an uncertain future at his parent club.

Ozoh spent last season at Pride Park and made 33 Championship appearances for Derby.

Although his campaign was interrupted by a thigh injury midway through the season, he still managed to make a significant contribution whenever available.

The loan spell represented his second period with the Rams.

He had also spent the previous season on loan at Derby, allowing him to build strong familiarity with Championship football.

Across both temporary spells in the East Midlands, Ozoh accumulated 47 appearances, with his most recent campaign proving particularly productive.

His performances earned praise from Derby supporters, who appreciated his work ethic, physical presence and defensive qualities in midfield.

As a result, he established himself as a popular figure among the Pride Park faithful.

Crystal Palace Unlikely to Offer Immediate Opportunities

Despite his positive development during his time away from Selhurst Park, reports suggest that Ozoh may struggle to force his way into Crystal Palace’s first-team plans.

The Eagles are preparing for another demanding Premier League campaign while also competing in the Europa League, increasing expectations around the squad.

With Pierre Sage now overseeing the club, competition for places is expected to be intense across every position.

According to Nixon’s report, Palace are considering several options regarding Ozoh’s future.

One possibility is another loan move that would allow him to continue playing regular senior football.

Alternatively, the South London club could decide to sell him permanently this summer.

A major factor influencing that decision is the player’s contractual situation.

Ozoh currently has just one year remaining on his contract with Crystal Palace.

As a result, Palace may view this transfer window as their final opportunity to generate a significant fee rather than risk losing him for a reduced amount later.

That situation could create an opportunity for Middlesbrough to negotiate a deal.

Hayden Hackney Continues to Attract Premier League Interest

Middlesbrough’s interest in Ozoh is particularly intriguing because of the ongoing speculation surrounding Hayden Hackney.

The academy graduate has emerged as one of the Championship’s most sought-after midfielders and continues to attract attention from Premier League clubs.

Crystal Palace and Everton are among the sides most strongly linked with a move for the 23-year-old.

Reports suggest Middlesbrough are increasingly accepting the possibility that Hackney could leave the Riverside Stadium before the transfer window closes.

While the club would prefer to keep one of their most influential players, the level of interest and the financial rewards involved may ultimately prove difficult to resist.

It has been reported that Boro are seeking a fee in the region of £25 million for the midfielder.

Such a figure would represent a substantial return on a player developed through the club’s own academy system.

Hackney’s Importance to Middlesbrough Cannot Be Underestimated

Hackney’s value to Middlesbrough extends far beyond his transfer valuation.

Last season he was one of the most important figures in Kim Hellberg’s squad and played a central role in the club’s promotion challenge.

The midfielder featured in virtually every minute of Middlesbrough’s regular Championship campaign before suffering an injury during the closing weeks of the season.

That setback forced him to miss the final eight league fixtures as well as both legs of the play-off semi-final against Southampton.

His absence was keenly felt during a crucial stage of the campaign.

Although he eventually returned from injury, it was only as a substitute during the Wembley defeat to Hull City.

By that point, Middlesbrough had already experienced firsthand how difficult life could be without him in the team.

Still only 23 years old, Hackney has already established himself as one of the club’s leaders.

He captained Middlesbrough on several occasions and demonstrated maturity well beyond his years.

His ability to dictate play, retain possession and influence matches from midfield made him indispensable throughout the season.

For many supporters, he has become one of the club’s most important assets both on and off the pitch.

Ozoh Could Be a Smart Successor

If Middlesbrough eventually decide to cash in on Hackney, replacing his influence will be a significant challenge.

Few players possess the same blend of technical ability, leadership qualities and consistency.

However, David Ozoh could represent an intelligent addition to help fill part of that void.

While the Crystal Palace midfielder offers a different profile, he has already demonstrated that he can perform effectively at Championship level.

His previous experience with Derby means he would not require a lengthy adaptation period to settle into the division.

Ozoh’s physicality, defensive awareness and willingness to do the hard work in midfield could make him a valuable asset for Hellberg.

At 21 years old, he also fits the club’s preference for signing younger players with room for further development.

Should Middlesbrough secure his signature, they would be acquiring a player capable of contributing immediately while still possessing significant long-term potential.

Potential for a Creative Transfer Arrangement

One of the most interesting aspects of the reported interest is the possibility of using Ozoh as part of negotiations involving Hackney.

Since Crystal Palace are already interested in Middlesbrough’s star midfielder, Boro may be able to leverage that situation to their advantage.

Rather than discussing two completely separate deals, there could be scope for a more complex arrangement involving both players.

Such a structure could potentially allow Middlesbrough to receive a substantial transfer fee for Hackney while simultaneously securing Ozoh as part of the agreement.

From Boro’s perspective, that outcome could soften the blow of losing one of their standout performers.

Receiving both significant financial compensation and a promising replacement would represent a positive piece of business.

Meanwhile, Palace would obtain a midfielder they clearly admire while resolving Ozoh’s uncertain future.

Middlesbrough Hold Strong Negotiating Position

Importantly, Middlesbrough are not under immediate pressure to sell Hackney.

His importance to the team means the club can afford to remain firm in negotiations and demand a fee that reflects his true value.

That puts them in a relatively strong position when dealing with interested clubs.

If Palace genuinely want to secure Hackney’s services, Middlesbrough can use their interest in Ozoh to seek terms that benefit them as much as possible.

With several clubs monitoring Hackney’s situation, Boro may also benefit from competition between potential buyers.

That scenario could help push the final fee even higher.

A Deal That Could Suit Everyone

As the transfer window develops, there appears to be a realistic possibility that the futures of Hayden Hackney and David Ozoh could become closely connected.

Middlesbrough admire the Crystal Palace midfielder, while Palace continue to track Hackney.

Should discussions progress, both clubs may find common ground through a mutually beneficial arrangement.

For Middlesbrough, losing Hackney would undoubtedly be disappointing.

However, if they were able to secure a sizeable transfer fee alongside the arrival of a talented young midfielder like Ozoh, the club could view the outcome as a successful piece of business.

In that scenario, there would likely be very few complaints from supporters, particularly if the funds generated help strengthen the squad further as Middlesbrough prepare for another ambitious push toward Premier League promotion.