Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has been attracting firm interest from Everton, a new update from Sky Sports has said.
Middlesbrough are no strangers to interest in their big assets and after falling short of expectations again last season, Boro are widely expected to lose some key players.
New boss Rob Edwards will be eager to retain their services if possible, but if exits do transpire, the focus will quickly shift to filling the gaps left behind.
middlesbrough, Everton join Premier League race for Middlesbrough star
Image courtesy of: MATTHEW CHILDS/REUTERS.
middlesbrough, Everton join Premier League race for Middlesbrough starOne star attracting strong interest is academy graduate Hayden Hackney, and it seems he continues to draw fresh admirers.
According to an update from Sky Sports (Transfer centre live, 09/07/25, 08:04), Premier League side Everton are the latest club with eyes on the Middlesbrough midfielder. They have been making checks on how much it would cost to sign him and whether or not he is available for a move.
Strong interest from other Premier League and European teams is reiterated too. Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham remain among the admirers, as have FC Porto, Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart on the continent.
Hackney has been with Boro his entire career barring a season-long loan at Scunthorpe United and is out of contract in 2027.
The right time to cash in?
Some Middlesbrough fans will argue there is never a good time to bid farewell to one of your best players, especially when there are Premier League ambitions to preserve.
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However, it feels as though the right time has come for Hackney to move on.
Boro - Middlesbrough duo Finn Azaz, Hayden Hackney
Image courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.
The 23-year-old has been a standout midfielder at Championship level in recent seasons and there is an eagerness to see him tested at a higher level. Though likely hopeful of doing so in a Boro shirt, this is a sentiment that Hackney will likely hold as well.
From a financial perspective, Middlesbrough will not be in a stronger negotiating position that they are now, as Hackney is still under contract for two years.
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Fine Middlesbrough partnership could be broken up after one season
Hackney and American midfielder Aidan Morris formed their partnership in the Middlesbrough team last season and performed well alongside one another. They complemented each other well and both have bright futures ahead of them.
Unfortunately for the Boro faithful, they look as though they will only be treated to one season of that duo.
Morris will be backed to retain a key role under Edwards and perhaps grow into a more prevalent one should Hackney leave as expected. However, it will be key that the latter is replaced suitably, putting the funds from a potential sale to good use.
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