The latest transfer talk as Middlesbrough are linked with a move for an Everton midfielder.
Middlesbrough are reportedly keen on a move for Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong - and could look to include the Toffees academy product in a deal that would take Hayden Hackney to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
TeamTalk have reported Boro have become ‘difficult negotiators’ as talks over Hackney continue with the Premier League club and are ‘standing firm on their valuation’ of the Championship player of the season - although the fact their influential midfielder is now in the final 12 months of his current deal has cast further doubt over his future at the Riverside Stadium.
The likes of Manchester United, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest have all been linked with moves for Hackney in recent weeks and months - but Everton appear to be frontrunners to secure the signature of a player Boro head coach Kim Hellberg believes would remain with his boyhood club.
Speaking in January, the Swede told BBC Tees: "He's very important, of course. He's a top player and person. In every aspect of the game he's good, defensively and offensively. I like him very much and if I had to decide I would say he's not for sale, but it will not come down to me. I think he wants to stay here. You can see him being very happy with how it works, so hopefully he's with us this year and further on.
"So easily you could think about other things when you get those clubs that are after you - and they should be after him, because he's a top player. I think he'd be able to play for a lot of Premier League teams and do good, that's how good he is."
Interesting
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
Boro’s failure to secure promotion into the Premier League appears to have increased the chances of Hackney departing during the summer transfer window - and the TeamTalk report has claimed talks are ongoing with Middlesbrough. However, the report also suggests the Merseyside club are yet to reach Boro’s £25m asking price and could look to use an ‘interesting card’ in their attempts to secure an agreement.
Middlesbrough are said to hold an interest in Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong after he impressed during a loan spell with Championship rivals Preston North End last season before returning to make 12 Premier League appearances during the second half of the season. The Toffees are said to be ‘reluctant to allow the youngster to leave permanently’ but sources indicate the 19-year-old could be allowed to depart on loan in order to secure regular game-time.
Continue Reading