Hayden Hackney’s future at Middlesbrough has been the subject of considerable conjecture since the club’s Championship play-off final humiliation, and he is reportedly on the verge of leaving.

Hackney was voted Championship Player of the Season for his outstanding performances during the season and has become Boro’s star after rising through the system.

Everton and Crystal Palace both reportedly had bids rejected earlier this summer, with the Teesside club seeking a fee in the region of £25 million for the 24-year-old.

However, it appears that it is only a matter of time before the Toffees sign their man, as they begin to make ripples in the transfer market.

Everton are closing in on a £25 million deal for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney

It is unsurprising that Hackney is considering leaving the Riverside to make a statement in the Premier League.

The midfielder has improved year after year at the Riverside Stadium, and it has long been assumed that if Middlesbrough does not win promotion, he will depart.

With various teams linked to Hackney, sources stated that Everton was the club he actually wanted, and he is now on the verge of making the switch.

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, the Toffees are close to signing the Englishman for £25 million, with a final agreement likely later this week.

Percy adds that Borough have turned down at least three offers for their skipper, but negotiations are finally nearing an end.

Last season, the 24-year-old scored five goals and eight assists in the second tier, his best stats for an individual season, but his presence was greatly missed during a protracted injury layoff coming up to the play-offs.

Who could take Hayden Hackney’s spot at Middlesbrough?

Middlesbrough are closing in on Hull City’s Kyle Joseph for £5 million as they attempt to improve their forward ranks, but the club’s main priority is finding a replacement for Hackney.

In the same article, Percy claims that Leicester City midfielder Oliver Skipp is on their radar, but the Teessiders are scared off by the Foxes’ £15 million price tag.

Indeed, that seems like a high price for a player preparing to start a season in League One, especially given his lack of success since joining from Tottenham.

If Middlesbrough can negotiate a lower sum, a move for Skipp could be justified, with supporters hoping that he can regain some of the form he showed in his time in North London.

Of course, Leicester will be aware that Borough will have Hackney money to spend, which might be a huge disadvantage in their efforts to replace their top player.