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Carlton Palmer has told FLW his verdict on Rav van den Berg's future at Middlesbrough

Carlton Palmer expects Rav van den Berg to depart Middlesbrough in the summer if promotion to the Premier League is not earned.

It was reported by Alan Nixon in February that Crystal Palace have shortlisted the defender as a potential target once the market reopens at the end of the campaign.

The Dutchman was previously the target of both Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham last summer, but he ultimately remained at the Riverside.

While he still has a contract until 2027, speculation over his future could become a major topic this summer if Middlesbrough remain in the Championship.

Rav van den Berg transfer prediction

Palmer has predicted that Van den Berg will be sold in the summer if promotion isn’t secured due to how Boro’s transfer model works.

He has named Palace as a club that could swoop in for the 20-year-old, suggesting Michael Carrick’s side will have a lot of work on their plate to keep him.

“Middlesbrough are back to winning ways now, and are two points off the play-offs,” Palmer exclusively told Football League World.

“It’s eight teams from Coventry down to Norwich in 11th place that are separated by five points, all fighting for the final two play-off places.

“For Middlesbrough to have any hope of keeping Rav van den Berg they would need to get promoted.

“There’s a lot of work for them to do to get into the play-offs, but Rav van den Berg is being coveted by a lot of clubs.

“Crystal Palace were very, very keen to sign the player in the January transfer window, I think if promotion is not gained it will be highly unlikely that Rav van den Berg will be there.

“Obviously, one window closes, you have to start planning for the next window and a club like Middlesbrough, we all know if somebody comes along with a big fee they allow the player to move on because that’s how they work.”

Carlton Palmer defends Michael Carrick amid criticism

Palmer has also come to the defence of under-fire manager Carrick, claiming the club’s willingness to cash in on their best players makes it difficult for them to compete for promotion.

“Especially when Middlesbrough are losing a few games, I think it’s unfair that people get onto Michael Carrick’s back,” he continued.

“He’s backed by Gibson, who is one of the top chairman’s in football, and he does back his manager but it’s a difficult situation year-on-year.

“He keeps pushing for those play-offs and promotion but he loses his good players and has to rebuild, and that takes time.

“They lost a striker in the January transfer window who was on fire, so I do expect if Middlesbrough do not get promoted this season that Rav van den Berg will be at pastures new.

“Where that will be I don’t know, but it looks like Crystal Palace are very, very keen on the player and I would think that would signal maybe [Marc] Guehi leaving Crystal Palace, and he would be an excellent replacement.”

Rav van den Berg sale is on the cards this summer

Middlesbrough have shown a willingness to sell their top stars, and Van den Berg is someone that is likely to attract top flight interest.

The Dutchman has shown a lot of potential since arriving at Boro in the summer of 2023, so a move to the Premier League wouldn’t be too surprising.

One more year in the Championship might be the best for his development at this stage, as it’s not clear that he’s quite ready for a move to the likes of Palace.