Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer targeting security of a mid-table finish

Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer has admitted that his side will be aiming for mid-table security ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Eagles earned themselves safety from relegation following an industrious display under former coach Sam Allardyce, leaving new manager De Boer with the opportunity to build on the club's status in the top flight of English football.

"The motivation is to make the team better and to make every individual a better player," said De Boer, according to Sky Sports News.

"For every manager that's something fantastic. You work hard with everyone and at the end you say, 'This is what we achieved with the team'.

"Okay, there is no trophy if you finish 12th or 10th or something, but at that moment it's also a fantastic achievement for the club because they expected it from the manager when they started.

"Of course, managing another club you have another perspective on that, to be in the first four or to play [in the] European Cup or for the championship, but we are not in that situation."

Palace's first fixture of the new season sees the South London club take on newly-promoted Huddersfield Town.