Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is keen to join Everton and play for David Moyes, according to The Times.
The Toffees are looking to bring the Englishman to the Hill Dickinson Stadium club and are prepared to pay about £15 million for his services.
Everton wanted Hackney last year and Boro insist they value him close to £20m.
Crystal Palace are also admirers of the 23-year-old, but he holds a preference for joining Everton.
Hackney was named the Championship player of the season, helping his side reach the promotion play-offs final.
He has 16 goals and 17 assists for his club in 154 games and is looking to play in the Premier League next season.
The Toffees target has 12 months left on his current contract and Everton could be uninterested in meeting Boro’s demands.
The Merseyside club need reinforcements in the middle of the park after failing to qualify for European at the end of the season.
Hackney fits the bill and more talks could be on the cards between both clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur could be monitoring the situation as they are also one of those interested in bringing him to the Premier League.
Spurs have opted against activating the option to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha permanently for £26m after his impressive loan spell ended.
Hackney bagged five goals and eight assists in 38 league appearances last season and could hit the ground running in the Premier League.
Related Topics