Palace target former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom during forthcoming transfer window

ENGLISH Premier League side Crystal Palace side are prepared to firm up their interest in Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom by launching a bid for his services during the forthcoming summer transfer window.

According to online sports portal Teamtalk, Palace are looking to move for Akpom as they seek a replacement for Ghana international Jordan Ayew, who is expected to leave at the end of the season. Ayew, 31, has just two months left on his contract with Crystal Palace and could be bidding his farewell to the club if he does not sign a contract extension in the coming months.

Palace are also keen on signing Akpom because Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta have had an underwhelming season with the two strikers scoring six goals between them. Also, the future of Wilfried Zaha is up in the air with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea showing interest in the Ivory Coast striker.

Former Arsenal striker Akpom is open to joining Crystal Palace regardless of whether or not Boro secure promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs. Although the Super Eagles prospect has one year left on his contract, Boro have strengthened their bargaining power after the striker was recently named the Championship Player of the Season.

In addition, Akpom is also set to win the Championship top scorer award, having notched 28 goals, seven more than Coventry City's Viktor Gyökeres, heading into the final round of matches in the division. Akpom, 27, is also on the radar of German Bundesliga clubs Werder Bremen and Borussia Mönchengladbach.