Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney’s transfer ‘preference’ emerges amid speculation
Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney’s preference is to join Everton amid Premier League interest in his signature, according to a report.
The 23-year-old has spent the bulk of the last two years as the subject of transfer speculation as his reputation has grown.
Widely accepted to be one of the Championship’s top talents, Hackney has endeared himself to a raft of Premier League clubs with his exploits in the second tier.
Hayden Hackney is being strongly linked with a move away from Middlesbrough.placeholder image
Hayden Hackney is being strongly linked with a move away from Middlesbrough. | George Wood/Getty Images
Hayden Hackney latest
According to The Athletic, Everton are Hackney’s preferred destination heading into the summer transfer window.
It has been indicated the Championship club will not let Hackney go on the cheap and are willing to keep him for the final year of his deal if their valuation is not met.
Everton are also said to have considered a move for ex-Sheffield Wednesday loan star Shea Charles, who has flourished at Southampton.
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney has been linked with a raft of Premier League clubs.placeholder image
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney has been linked with a raft of Premier League clubs. | Richard Sellers/PA Wire
Hayden Hackney exit anticipated
In a recent appearances on the Sky Sports Essential EFL Podcast, commentator Gary Weaver said: "I'd be surprised if Hayden Hackney is still at Middlesbrough by September.
"Brentford like him a lot. Everton like him. Forest and Ipswich both made bids last season. I think Middlesbrough are resigned to the fact he will probably go.
“He's been a fantastic Championship player this season. Even in that brief cameo in the [play-off] final you saw how opposition teams react to him."