The latest on Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney as fresh Everton and Crystal Palace claims emerge
Everton are reportedly ready to move ahead of Crystal Palace in the race to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.
A raft of clubs have been credited with interest in the midfielder, but links to Everton and Palace have been particularly strong.
The 23-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at the Riverside and a move to the Premier League appeared inevitable as soon as the final whistle blew in the Championship play-off final.
Everton are reportedly leading the race to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.placeholder image
Everton are reportedly leading the race to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney. | Alex Pantling/Getty Images & George Wood/Getty Images
Hayden Hackney update emerges
According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, Everton are ready to move closer to the £20m price tag Middlesbrough have slapped on his head.
They are said to have put together a package that Palace will not be able to rival in an effort to win the race.
The Eagles would reportedly be willing to send midfielder David Ozoh in the opposite direction, although Everton appear to be the frontrunners.
Losing Hackney would be a bitter blow for Middlesbrough but it would provide the club’s coffers with a welcome boost.
For the Championship club, it now appears to be a case of trying to secure the highest-possible price for their most coveted asset.
Hayden Hackney’s future
On the Sky Sports Essential EFL Podcast earlier this month, 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.
Middlesbrough are reportedly keen to land a hefty fee for Hayden Hackney.placeholder image
Middlesbrough are reportedly keen to land a hefty fee for Hayden Hackney. | Martin Rickett/PA Wire
“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."
Hackney has made a total of 154 appearances for Middlesbrough since moving into the senior set-up, registering 16 goals and 17 assists.