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Everton receive major boost as dream signing says 'yes' to summer move

Updated: 2 Jun 2026 10:35 BST | 5 min read

David Moyes, Everton

Everton have received a major boost ahead of the summer transfer window after learning Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney wants to join them, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7321704/2026/06/02/manchester-united-transfer-latest-arsenal-liverpool-real-madrid-summer-2026/?source=emp_shared_article&redirected=1" target="_blank">The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Hackney has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Championship after emerging through Boro’s youth system in 2020, scoring 16 goals in 154 appearances for the club.

The 23-year-old also helped England retain their UEFA European Under-21 Championship title last summer, providing the assist for Harvey Elliot’s winner in the 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

However, Hackney has been strongly linked with a move away from Boro after his boyhood club missed out on securing Premier League promotion following the 1-0 loss to Hull City in last season’s Championship playoff final.

The Northern Echo" href="https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/26153170.manchester-united-interested-middlesbroughs-hayden-hackney/" target="_blank">The Northern Echo reported earlier this week that Michael Carrick was interested in a reunion with Hackney at Manchester United, having managed him at Middlesbrough between 2022 and 2025.

However, according to The Athletic’s Ornstein, while United appreciate the deep-lying playmaker, they are prioritising other targets in their quest to revamp their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Hayden Hackney

And transfer specialist Ornstein says Hackney - who has just 12 months left on his Boro contract - has now made Everton his preferred destination ahead of fellow Premier League suitors Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

While Ornstein states talks have yet to take place with Boro, Everton may look to pounce on the opportunity to provide James Garner with a younger midfield partner for next season.

The Toffees often started Idrissa Gueye alongside Garner last season, but the Senegal international - who turns 37 in September - could become a free agent if David Moyes’ side do not trigger their option to extend his contract by another year.

Everton also have Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Rohl on their books, with the latter expected to remain at Hill Dickinson Stadium on a permanent basis after initially joining on loan with an obligation to buy for €20million (£17.3m).

However, Rohl was deployed on the right-hand side of Everton’s attack towards the end of the 2025-26 campaign, while the tough-tackling Iroegbunam has attracted interest from Serie A side Lazio in the past.

Everton also interested in signing Wan-Bissaka from relegated West Ham

A separate report from The Telegraph" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2026/05/26/everton-aaron-wan-bissaka-west-ham/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_tw_post_aaron-wan-bissaka-west-ham/" target="_blank">The Telegraph claims Everton are also interested in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka following West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship, with the right-back valued at €11.5m (£10m).

The Merseysiders have neglected strengthening the right-hand side of their defence for several years, with Jake O’Brien - a centre-back by trade - having operated in that position for the last two seasons.