Middlesbrough’s talisman Hayden Hackney is poised to leave the club after missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

Kim Hellberg’s side lost 1-0 to Hull City in the play-off final thanks to Oli McBurnie’s stoppage-time winner, but the midfielder only played 20 minutes after returning from injury.

Even if Borough had been promoted from the Championship, there is no guarantee that the 23-year-old would have stayed at the Riverside Stadium given his talent and high ceiling.

Several top-flight clubs, including Everton, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace, have expressed interest in the central-midfielder, and his preferred destination has now been disclosed.

Everton dominate the hunt to recruit Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough must have known that failing to reach the promised land would result in interest in their finest players, and it appears only a matter of time before they lose their captain.

Hackney has come through the ranks in Teesside, and this season has seen him deliver his greatest results ever, with five league goals and eight assists.

Not only that, but the 23-year-old’s outstanding achievements earned him a spot on the Championship Team of the Season despite missing the last stretch of the season due to injury.

Hackney prefers to join Everton this summer, and as things stand, the Toffees are in prime position to sign him, according to The Athletic.

According to the publication, negotiations between the teams have yet to take place, but once the player has made his selection, that will be followed before a contract can be reached.

They say that Spurs and Palace are also strong contenders for him, and while Manchester United likes him, he is lower on their list of targets, so a move to Old Trafford is unlikely at this time.

Would Everton be a good option for Hackney?

Hackney’s next professional step is essential, and if he wants to become a full England international in the future, he needs to join a club that will support his growth.

With that in mind, Everton appears to be a good fit for the midfielder because they are a stable Premier League team with a large fan base and the potential to compete for a European spot next season.

The Toffees have a fantastic manager in David Moyes, who supports his players even when they are going through difficult times.

Hackney would mostly compete with James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye for a spot, but numerous other centre midfielders are vying for the privilege to wear the renowned blue.

Given that Gueye is 36 and out of contract this summer, he may be able to earn a starting spot for the Borough in 2026/27.

On the surface, a transfer to the Hill Dickinson Stadium appears to be a low-risk decision with high potential for first-team football, and if it comes to fruition, Everton will have some talented players.