Middlesbrough named as admirers of Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong as Hayden Hackney arrangement mooted
Middlesbrough have been named as admirers of highly-rated Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong.
The 19-year-old midfielder has already impressed in the Championship, having been loaned to both Derby County and Preston North End by the Toffees.
He was recalled by the Merseyside club in January and made 12 appearances in the Premier League run-in.
Harrison Armstrong has made 21 senior appearances for Everton.placeholder image
Harrison Armstrong has made 21 senior appearances for Everton. | Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Middlesbrough and Everton arrangement mooted
According to TEAMtalk, Championship outfit Middlesbrough are fans of the England Under-19s international and have held international discusssions over him.
It has been suggested Boro would potentially welcome Armstrong’s arrival as part of a wider arrangement sending Hayden Hackney in the opposite direction.
Everton are thought to be reluctant to sanction Armstrong’s departure and any deal involving him would reportedly require careful consideration. The Merseyside club are not believed to be considering a sale, despite interest from Middlesbrough, but it has been indicated he could head out on loan again.
Getting Armstrong involved in the deal would arguably be a shrewd move from Middlesbrough, who would be softening the blow of a big loss by getting an exciting talent on board.
Everton's Harrison Armstrong is reportedly of interest to Middlesbrough.placeholder image
Everton's Harrison Armstrong is reportedly of interest to Middlesbrough. | Nick Potts/PA Wire
Harrison Armstrong’s profile
Paul Heckingbottom, who managed Armstrong at Preston, told the Liverpool Echo last year: “He's got real good athleticism. He can get around the pitch, he can cover ground at pace, he can carry the ball well, he is determined to get on the ball, he also competes really well, so defensively he helps the team as well
“I think he's settled in really well now this week, he's mixing with the players, he's showing what he's all about and he's found his feet now, which is great.”