The latest on Middlesbrough’s Everton and Crystal Palace-linked star Hayden Hackney
Everton are reportedly expected to return to negotiations with Middlesbrough after seeing an £18m offer for Hayden Hackney rejected.
The midfielder is the subject of interest from a clutch of Premier League clubs but links to Everton have been particularly strong of late.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has Premier League clubs on his trail.placeholder image
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has Premier League clubs on his trail. | Yui Mok/PA Wire
Hayden Hackney latest
According to Mail Online, Everton have seen an bid of £11m plus £7m in add-ons knocked back by Middlesbrough.
The Championship club are thought to be holding out for a greater up-front sum, one that could aid their recruitment this summer. An up-front fee of £20m, plus £5m in add-ons, has been mooted as the desired offer.
It has been claimed Everton are set to get back into talks with Middlesbrough in the hope of reaching an agreement. Crystal Palace, meamwhile, are reportedly expected to make a move of their own for the Boro academy product.
Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney stance
Hackney may well be keen on playing Premier League football next season, but there is little benefit in Middlesbrough letting him go on the cheap.
A player of such high calibre will need replacing and a figure capable of filling Hackney’s boots is unlikely to be a low-cost recruit.
Hayden Hackney scored six goals in 41 appearances for Middlesbrough last season.placeholder image
Hayden Hackney scored six goals in 41 appearances for Middlesbrough last season. | Steve Welsh/PA Wire
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."