The Blues are one of several sides understood to be pursuing a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough applauds the fans after the team's defeat in the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final match between Hull City and Middlesbrough at Wembley. Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough applauds the fans after the team's defeat in the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final match between Hull City and Middlesbrough at Wembley. Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
View Image
Everton are understood to be interested in a deal for Hayden Hackney.
The Middlesbrough midfielder has been on the club’s radar for some time, though is the subject of interest from several Premier League outfits.
The 23-year-old won the Championship’s player of the year award but his club’s failure to win promotion to the top flight, coupled with him being about to enter the final year of his contract, mean his departure is likely this summer.
Author avatar
Author avatar
The ECHO understands Everton are one of a host of clubs exploring a move for Hackney, who scored five goals across 38 Championship appearances last season. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Hackney's preference was Everton.
Hackney was unavailable for the club’s run-in due to a groin injury. He was, however, able to make the last 20 minutes of the defeat to Hull in the final at Wembley.
Such was his value to Middlesbrough, his availability was at the heart of the Southampton spygate scandal, with Saints boss Tonda Eckert said to have been keen for answers over whether he would be available for the play-off semi-finals.
Southampton overcame Middlesbrough with an extra-time winner by Shea Charles, another Championship midfielder who has been on the Blues’ radar, but were then expelled from the final after the spying issue came to light.
Everton are keen to move early in the transfer window where possible. Manager David Moyes was left frustrated by the timing of most of the club’s business last summer, when a number of players arrived on the eve of the season, or after it had already begun.
A move for Hackney would see him return to the Championship, a place he has plucked a host of upcoming talent from over the course of his managerial career.
FOLLOW OUR EVERTON FC FACEBOOK PAGE!Latest EFC news and analysis from via the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated FB page