Everton have opened formal talks to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer, according to transfer expert David Ornstein.
The Toffees have moved quickly to establish themselves at the front of the queue for Hackney’s signature ahead of the new season.
Football Talk, citing Ornstein, reported that Everton are in ‘pole position’ to sign Hackney ahead of other interested clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Hackney recently won the Championship Player of the Year award, marking himself out as one of the most coveted midfielders outside the Premier League.
Despite strong interest from rival clubs, the England U21 international has indicated his preference to join David Moyes’ side at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Middlesbrough, however, are not willing to let Hackney go cheaply, remaining keen on retaining him unless they receive a ‘suitable offer’ for the midfielder, according to Ornstein.
With Hackney’s Transfermarkt valuation set at £27m, Everton will likely need to exceed that figure significantly to convince Middlesbrough to sanction his departure.
Hackney averaged 35.7 touches per game in the final third last season, demonstrating the kind of technical quality that Moyes is eager to add to his squad.
His profile as a box-to-box midfielder with progressive ball-carrying ability and creativity from deeper areas suits the demands of top-flight football perfectly.
The Championship has proven itself a reliable source of Premier League-ready talent in recent years, with several players making the step up seamlessly.
Eberechi Eze moved from Queens Park Rangers to the Premier League in 2020, and is now a key player at Arsenal following his continued development.
Michael Olise similarly rose through the Championship with Reading before making an impact at Crystal Palace and earning international recognition with France.
Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa, Alex Scott at Bournemouth, and Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace have all impressed since arriving from England’s second tier.
Everton will be determined to secure Hackney’s services quickly before Manchester United or Tottenham have the chance to strengthen their own bids.