**West Ham** are among several Premier League clubs eyeing a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, but face growing competition from Everton and Crystal Palace.
The Hammers have been scouting the England U21 international for some time, but with Everton now entering the race, there’s a sense West Ham may need to move sharpish.
That said, rumours coming from the London Stadium seem to indicate that they will not be rushed into buying the wrong player. However, the Hammers have been snail like in their start to the summer window so one would hope any targets are long since established.
Former Irons boss [David Moyes](https://www.claretandhugh.info/david-moyes-bio/) is said to be a long-time admirer of Hackney—and unlike West Ham, the Toffees are believed to have money to spend this summer.
Crystal Palace are also reportedly interested but may only firm up their interest if Eberechi Eze is sold—putting their move slightly on hold.
Hackney, 22, was one of the Championship’s standout midfielders last season under Michael Carrick, impressing with a string of composed and commanding displays at the heart of Boro’s midfield.
Portuguese giants Porto had a £9 million bid rejected for Hackney back in January. Since then, Boro have appointed Rob Edwards as manager following Carrick’s departure, and it remains unclear whether they’ll be open to selling this summer.
Hackney is now believed to be valued at around £12 million—a figure that, on paper at least, should be affordable for West Ham. That is, of course, if the club can start shifting gears in the transfer market and get a deal done before Moyesie decides swoop in.