Middlesbrough move for £7m Crystal Palace player takes fresh turn | OneFootball

Boro are reportedly still haggling for Justin Devenny

Middlesbrough are continuing to work on their midfield options ahead of the new Championship season, with Crystal Palace’s Justin Devenny remaining a name of interest.

The Northern Ireland international has emerged as a potential target for Boro this summer, although the latest update from journalist Alan Nixon suggests a deal is far from straightforward.

Middlesbrough are haggling over the asking price while Devenny has other options available to him, according to Nixon’s Patreon.

The 22-year-old’s situation is therefore one to monitor as Kim Hellberg’s side look to complete a squad capable of mounting another promotion challenge.

Middlesbrough still haggling with Crystal Palace over Justin Devenny price

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According to Nixon, Middlesbrough are still in the picture for Devenny but face competition for his signature, while negotiations over his valuation remain ongoing.

Devenny has been with Palace since joining from Airdrieonians in 2023 and has made more than 50 senior appearances for the Premier League club. He has also established himself internationally with Northern Ireland.

The midfielder has enjoyed a steady rise at Selhurst Park, being part of the Palace side that lifted the FA Cup and Community Shield, as well as winning the UEFA Conference League.

However, regular first-team football has proved difficult to secure, which has prompted speculation over a move this summer.

Middlesbrough are understood to have enquired about Devenny earlier in the window. Nixon's latest update indicates that Boro remain involved, but their willingness to meet Palace's demands could determine whether the move develops further.

The reported price is significant, with Nixon's previous reports suggesting Middlesbrough could potentially go as high as £7m for the versatile midfielder.

What Justin Devenny could offer Middlesbrough

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Middlesbrough's interest makes sense in the context of Hellberg's midfield requirements.

The club lost Hayden Hackney to Everton this summer and have already moved to strengthen the area with the arrival of USA international Sebastian Berhalter. However, Hellberg has made clear that further additions are expected as Boro continue a substantial squad rebuild.

Devenny would provide another flexible option, having demonstrated an ability to operate in several midfield roles. His energy and mobility would also fit the demands of Hellberg's pressing approach, while his age means there should be scope for further development.

Boro have already been active in the transfer market, adding Will Lankshear, Berhalter, Max Arfsten, Radek Vitek and other reinforcements as they prepare for the new campaign.

Hellberg has praised the work being done behind the scenes to build what he described as the best possible squad, while acknowledging that the rebuild will take time.

The Devenny situation, though, appears less advanced than some of those deals.

How Middlesbrough fans are reacting to Justin Devenny interest

The reaction among Boro supporters has been mixed, with some viewing Devenny as an exciting potential addition while others remain unconvinced by his record at Palace.

One supporter described the potential move as a “mega signing”, while another simply said they “really like” the idea.

There was also a more cautious assessment, with one fan questioning Devenny's performances, suggesting the Championship could provide the midfielder with an opportunity to prove himself.

Another supporter was similarly unconvinced, arguing that Devenny had looked “bang average” when they had watched Palace and questioning whether Middlesbrough should pursue other options.

For now, however, the price remains the key issue. Middlesbrough have shown a willingness to invest heavily in their squad this summer, but Nixon's update suggests there is still work to do if they are to turn their interest in Devenny into a completed deal.