LIVERPOOL, England, June 24 Betandsured. Everton remain in pole position to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, with the Championship Player of the Season favouring a move to Merseyside as Premier League interest intensifies following Boro’s play off final heartbreak .
The 23 year old academy graduate has been the standout performer in the second tier this term, contributing five goals and seven assists in 38 appearances . His influence was such that Middlesbrough’s late season slump, culminating in a 1-0 Wembley defeat to Hull City, coincided with his absence through injury before a brief cameo in the final .
Boro are determined to extract maximum value for their homegrown talent, who remains under contract until 2027. The club have already rejected two approaches from Everton, turning down an £11 million offer plus £7 million in add ons, and are holding out for an upfront fee of around £20 million . Middlesbrough are understood to be willing to let Hackney’s contract run down should their valuation not be met, such is his importance to their promotion aspirations .
Crystal Palace have also registered their interest and are preparing a rival bid, though the player has communicated a preference for a move to Goodison Park . The Eagles can offer Europa League football following their Conference League triumph last season, yet the uncertainty surrounding Pierre Sage’s early managerial tenure may complicate their pursuit .
For Everton manager David Moyes, securing Hackney’s signature would address a pressing need for midfield depth, with James Garner having been deployed at right back for much of last season. The Scot’s track record of developing young players, including former England international Leighton Baines, adds further appeal for a player seeking to establish himself in the top flight .
Whether the two clubs can bridge the valuation gap remains to be seen, but with Everton prepared to lodge a third bid and Palace waiting in the wings, Hackney’s departure from the Riverside appears increasingly inevitable as the summer window gathers pace .
Reporting by Azuka; Editing by Betandsured team
