Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, who won the Championship Player of the Season title last season, is still in high demand during the summer transfer market.

The all-action midfielder scored five goals and seven assists for Borough in the second division last season, but it wasn’t enough to secure promotion to the Premier League.

Kim Hellberg’s side were defeated by Hull City at Wembley Stadium after being awarded a play-off final position following Southampton’s expulsion.

Middlesbrough are now more likely to lose Hackney, who merits a transfer to the Premier League after excelling in the Championship.

Everton and Crystal Palace know where they stand in the Hayden Hackney transfer race.

Hackney did not play from 14 March until a 20-minute appearance in the play-off final, which was a major reason in Boro’s dismal end-of-season performance.

Hellberg’s team will have to adjust to life without the 23-year-old if he departs the Riverside Stadium this summer, despite high-profile interest in his services.

According to The Athletic, discussions between Middlesbrough and Everton about Hackney have persisted, although no meaningful progress has been made.

Borough are thought to value Hackney higher than the £16 million agreement they signed with Ipswich Town last year, when the transfer collapsed.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are interested in the midfielder, although the Middlesbrough native prefers a move to Merseyside.

According to the article, Borough are willing to let Hackney’s contract lapse if a deal for his services does not materialise this summer, as his present contract expires in 2027.

Everton were capable of securing European football last season, but poor late-season play resulted in a 13th-place finish in the Premier League.

David Moyes understands that adding depth and quality to his squad will increase the Toffees’ chances of qualifying for the Europa League or the Conference League next season.

Meanwhile, Palace will compete in the Europa League next season after winning the Conference League last season, and new manager Pierre Sage will require a squad that can survive a European campaign while still finishing as high as possible in the Premier League.

Hayden Hackney should press for the Middlesbrough exit.

Hackney is a Middlesbrough academy product who has a great connection to the North East club, but this summer he must decide what is best for his future.

Prior to his groyne injury, the 23-year-old was in excellent form, assisting in a 3-1 win over Birmingham City and scoring in a 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers.

He has demonstrated that he is too excellent for the Championship and deserves to play in the Premier League next season, with Everton and Palace showing interest.

Moving to the Toffees might be a particularly beneficial move for Hackney, since Moyes’ team was frequently short on midfield numbers last season, forcing James Garner to play at right back.

Furthermore, the Everton manager has a successful track record of developing players, including former England star Leighton Baines.