Crystal Palace ready move to sign Van den Berg – sources
Crystal Palace are among several clubs tracking Middlesbrough defender Rav van den Berg, sources have told Football Insider.
Van den Berg has impressed since joining the Championship side from Dutch outfit PEC Zwolle in the summer of 2023, featuring in central defence and at full-back.
The 20-year-old, who is the brother of Brentford’s Sepp van den Berg, has been quick to establish himself as one of the best young prospects in the second tier.
Palace have made regular checks on Van den Berg over the past 18 months and are now ready to test Middlesbrough’s resolve as they look to keep hold of the defender.
The Netherlands Under-21 international is under contract at the Riverside Stadium until June 2027.
Crystal Palace eye defensive reinforcements after difficult start
Van den Berg made his professional debut for PEC Zwolle in a 2-1 defeat against Vitesse in May 2021 at just 16 years old.
The defender went on to make 32 appearances for the Eredivisie side before joining Middlesborough for an undisclosed fee in July 2023.
The Dutchman has so far made 47 outings for the Championship club, with all eight of his appearances this season coming at centre-back.
Palace are now ready to test Michael Carrick’s side’s resolve as the January transfer window is set to open in less than six weeks.
Oliver Glasner is looking to strenghthen his backline as his side currently find themselves in the Premier League relegation zone after the opening 11 games.
Football Insider revealed on 19 November the south London club have also prioritised signing a new attacker once the mid-season window opens.
In other news, Crystal Palace set sights on signing Championship sensation.
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