Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney
Everton are among the clubs interested in signing midfielder Hayden Hackney, talkSPORT understands.
Tottenham have also shortlisted Hackney, who is set to leave hometown club Middlesbrough after missing out on promotion to the Premier League.
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney3
Hackney played just 21 minutes of the final after recovering from injury
The 23-year-old was named as Championship player of the season after a stunning campaign.
Hackney only played 21 minutes of Boro's play-off final defeat to Hull in May.
The midfielder battled back from injury to play some part in the Championship's showpiece event.
He missed 10 games during the run-in with a groin injury, which coincided with an alarming dip in form for Kim Hellberg's side.
They won just two of those 10 matches he missed and that saw automatic promotion slip away.
It was Hackney's availability for the semi-final that was believed to have been behind Southampton's spying mission.
This led to the Saints being expelled from the Championship play-off final, with Boro being elevated in their place.
Who is Hayden Hackney?
Hackney was spotted by Boro playing for his local side Redcar Town and joined the Championship club at Under-10 level.
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He signed his first professional contract in 2019 as a 17-year-old, shortly after being named on the senior team bench by then manager Jonathan Woodgate.
Following a spell on loan with then League Two Scunthorpe, he became a regular starter under Michael Carrick.
Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough with the Championship player of the season award3
Hackney with the Championship player of the season award
In 2023, he signed a new contract with the club that runs until the summer of 2027.
This means he has just 12 months left on his current deal, with Boro needing to cash in or risk losing him for nothing in a year.
Hackney has represented both England and Scotland at Under-21 level.
He was part of England's 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squad. He was an unused substitute in the final.
talkSPORT verdict
talkSPORT reported Tottenham's interest in Hayden Hackney in May and Jamie O'Hara was not impressed.
The former Spurs man believes the club should be aiming higher.
Hayden Hackney3
Hackney is being targeted by Everton and Spurs this summer
O’Hara told talkSPORT: “I don't want to sign Championship players. Spurs don't need to sign Championship players.
"We've got Championship players. They've shown that."
Former Chelsea and Benfica defender Scott Minto replied: “I understand what you're saying. Hayden Hackney would be a good signing. He's been brilliant this season.
“But I understand what you're saying about you need to aim bigger than that on top of the Hayden Hackneys.”