Everton are reportedly tracking Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney ahead of the next January transfer window.
After 21 games, the Riverside club is five points behind league leaders Coventry City and seven points ahead of third-place Preston North End. Middlesbrough were the division’s early pacesetters under Rob Edwards, but they were gradually caught and overtaken by Coventry.
Edwards exacerbated their troubles by leaving his position in the North East to lead ahead Premier League side Wolves, leaving Boro managerless at a critical juncture in their season.
Kim Hellberg, who had won Middlesbrough’s first four games in charge, was brought in to allay any anxieties about a drop-off following Edwards’ departure. Hayden Hackney is one of several key players who have contributed significantly to Boro’s success this season.
Everton planning Hayden Hackney, Middlesbrough move
Hackney has been a notable player for Middlesbrough for several years, appearing regularly in the first team during the last four seasons.
The midfielder made 43 Championship games last season, demonstrating an astounding level of consistency for a 23-year-old player.
As a result, a lot of people expressed interest in his services throughout the summer. Ipswich Town had accepted a £20 million deal for the midfielder, but Hackney chose to remain at the Riverside.
Wolves also made a £20 million offer for Hackney, which could be increased to £30 million, Football League World exclusively disclosed. Although none of the moves were completed, it appears that interest in his services has continued to grow.
According to Teamtalk, Everton are looking into Hackney as a potential midfield solution.
According to the report, the 23-year-old will change agents in January, which might indicate a potential exit if the right chance occurs, and this may cause Middlesbrough to be concerned.
Everton were linked with a deal for the midfielder this summer and may look into it again.
Hackney is under contract at the Riverside until 2027 and would most likely command a comparable transfer cost as those who arrived over the summer.
Middlesbrough may take comfort in Hayden Hackney’s earlier decisions while Everton lurks.
Naturally, dread may develop across Middlesbrough’s fanbase as Everton track Hackney.
The Toffees undoubtedly have the resources to finalize a transfer and may offer him the appealing possibility of regular Premier League football.
Boro fans might take comfort in Hackney’s previous acts. When Ipswich received a bid for his services over the summer, he elected to stay in the North East.
As a result, with Middlesbrough in the thick of a title race, Hackney is expected to return to the Riverside and attempt to earn promotion to the top flight with his boyhood club.
xz
