Crystal Palace set to take fresh Ben Doak action as Middlesbrough blow emerges | OneFootball

The Reds are reportedly set to soften their stance on Ben Doak, which could see the winger's loan at Boro cut short.

Crystal Palace have been given encouragement in the race to sign Middlesbrough loanee and Liverpool winger Ben Doak, as they prepare to launch an improved bid.

This is according to Give Me Sport, who believe the Reds have softened their stance on the Scotland international, and may be willing to accept a lower offer for one of their bright talents.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Michael Carrick's Boro - and has played a big part in their success during the 2024/25 campaign.

Shining alongside the likes of Finn Azaz and Emmanuel Latte Lath during the first half of the season, that has allowed the teenager to attract plenty of interest from other clubs.

And with the Reds having the opportunity to cut Doak's loan short this month, Boro face a nervous wait to see whether they will be able to retain the player for the remainder of the season.

According to Graeme Bailey, who spoke to Rousing the Kop, the Teesside outfit currently aren't in the mix to sign him permanently, but they could potentially fork out a fee to lure him to the Riverside on a longer-term basis if they win promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season.

Crystal Palace given Ben Doak encouragement in potential Middlesbrough blow

According to Give Me Sport, Palace are preparing a fresh bid after being given encouragement that the Reds will soften their stance.

It has been reported that the player's initial £30m price tag has decreased - and that his loan spell could be cut short if a suitable offer comes in for him before the end of the transfer window.

It's expected that the Reds are expected to accept offers of around £20m, plus add-ons, even though they initially took a very tough stance on the 19-year-old.

Ipswich Town, like Palace, have been given similar assurances about the Merseyside outfit's softened stance and could head back to the negotiating table with another offer.

Both reportedly had offers rejected before, so it will be interesting to see what materialises before the end of the window.

Middlesbrough will be desperate to retain Ben Doak

Doak has been a real asset for Boro - and his contributions could make a real difference in the race for promotion.

Latte Lath and Azaz may still be at the club, and both of those could contribute a fair amount between now and the end of the season.

But they need to have as much attacking quality as possible if they want to give themselves a real chance to remain in the promotion mix.

Their performance away at Oxford United last year shows how good they can be in the final third when they're at full tilt.