Boro striker mooted as January target for Palace

Crystal Palace are reportedly one of three Premier League clubs who are keeping tabs on Middlesbrough forward Chuba Akpom during this January transfer window.

The Daily Mail are reporting that Everton and Southampton are also monitoring the former Arsenal forward.

Akpom is the current top goalscorer in the Championship. 

The 27-year-old has scored 12 goals in 19 appearances this season, with Michael Carrick’s side climbing the league table since he was handed the job in October.

Middlesbrough have the option to extend Akpom’s deal for a further year, with his current contract set to expire at the end of this season.

Palace have only found the back of the net 17 times this season in the Premier League, with boss Patrick Vieira keen to bolster his attacking option over the summer following the departure of Christian Benteke to D.C. United in the MLS.

Chairman Steve Parish revealed in an interview with the club’s website before the New Year that loan signings were set to be the focus of Palace’s January activity.

The Eagles signed Cheick Doucoure, Chris Richards, Sam Johnstone and Malcolm Ebiowei over the summer. Bermondsey-raised Ebiowei looks set to join Hull on loan for the rest of the 2022-23 campaign.