Everton are one of the Premier League sides that are showing a keen interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
David Moyes will now be seeking movement in the market on Merseyside following a host of departures at the end of June.
A huge summer lies ahead for Everton with the 62-year-old demanding a squad worthy of playing in their new state-of-the-art stadium.
Everton are keen to add to their midfield options following the announcement of Idrissa Gana Gueye’s new contract.
Positive news is coming out of Finch Farm on Wednesday, with Everton securing Thierno Barry’s transfer from Villarreal.
Now, it is time for Angus Kinnear to address other needs, and Boro midfielder Hackney is a player of real interest to the Toffees.
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Middlesbrough ready to sell Everton target Hayden Hackney
Everton have registered an interest for Hackney, who is proving to be a player in high demand from clubs across England.
Our transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, has now shared Middlesbrough’s stance on selling the midfielder this summer.
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“Hayden Hackney is expected to leave Middlesbrough this summer, they are braced for interest and expect him to go,” he told Everton News.
“They will be looking for over £20m is my belief, and they are confident they would get that. He will be the major departure this summer.”
It is also understood that Hackney has recently changed his agency to one with which Everton hold a strong relationship.
Crystal Palace are currently the other Premier League side showing keen interest, with Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest also checking in on the player.
Harrison Armstrong is looking to impress Moyes during pre-season following his loan stint in the Championship with Derby County.
The departure of Orel Mangala back to Lyon will see Everton target midfield additions, and Hackney is a player on Kinnear’s radar.
Hackney expected to take the Premier League by storm
The 23-year-old has come through Boro’s youth setup and has impressed immensely in the Championship over a number of seasons.
It now looks like it’s the midfielder’s time to make the leap into the Premier League after another season of disappointment at the Riverside.
Moyes is keen to add top prospects from the Championship this summer, as the Toffees need to address numerous positions.
Following in the footsteps of players like Adam Wharton, Bailey expects Hackney to really kick if he does secure a Premier League move.
“He is a big talent, with plenty of potential. He is a really hard worker but full of skill too – you know it is not that long ago he was playing non-league at Scunthorpe,” Bailey added.
“He reminds me a bit of Jarrod Bowen, not in terms of his play but in terms of his effort and how he is just getting better the older he gets, and I think he will be even better in the Premier League.
“You have seen Jobe Bellingham go to Borussia Dortmund, and I firmly believe Hackney is in the same bracket as him – but he will probably cost a bit less.”