Crystal Palace have already endured a transfer blow under Pierre Sage.
A report from the Telegraph at the start of the summer claimed that Crystal Palace wanted Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough – and had even made the England international the number one target at Selhurst Park.
However, Hackney opted for a move to Everton instead, with the Toffees sealing a £24m move for the 24-year-old a matter of days ago.
After hearing the news, former Crystal Palace star Yannick Bolasie sent the midfielder a message on Instagram.
🚨 NEW SIGNING ALERT 🚨
What do Palace need to do next after landing a new defender in Mingueza? 🇪🇸
Yannick Bolasie reacts as Hayden Hackney snubs Crystal Palace
The DR Congo international played alongside Hackney while on loan at Middlesbrough in 2021, and was more pleased for his former teammate than he was concerned about Crystal Palace missing out.
Bolasie wrote “gooooo on lad 🔥🔥” after hearing that the Middlesbrough academy graduate had moved to Everton, where the winger himself made 32 appearances following a £25m move from Crystal Palace in August 2016.
Despite missing out on a player who was supposedly our number one target, there are other irons in the fire at Crystal Palace.
Sky Sports believe the Eagles are keen to sign Shea Charles from Southampton, although the Northern Ireland international could prove to be more expensive than Hackney as the Saints hold out for £30m.
Southampton want Justin Devenny – however – so a swap deal involving some cash too could be on.
Leeds and Fulham are also interested in Charles, so time is of the essence for Crystal Palace, especially as Southampton have already rejected two bids from Leeds – the latest of which was worth £23m.
BBC Sport have also claimed that Crystal Palace held talks with Wolves over Joao Gomes as the Brazil international prepares to leave Molineux after relegation to the Championship.
The South American is currently in limbo after Atletico Madrid pulled out of a £39m move and signed Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP for £34m instead.
Fortunately, the midfield department has not been weakened by the departure of Daichi Kamada, who has instead opted to sign a new one-year deal rather than leave as a free agent.
How are we feeling about this news, Crystal Palace fans? 🔴 🔵
Could be one of the most important deals we do this summer 🦅
So, there are at least two alternatives to Hackney being pursued by the UEFA Conference League winners.
