Overview
- Early June reports identify Everton as the frontrunner for Hayden Hackney, with Tottenham, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace also said to be monitoring the midfielder.
- Middlesbrough are reportedly asking about £30 million for Hackney and face pressure to sell because he will enter the last 12 months of his contract.
- Hackney was named Championship Player of the Season after a 2025–26 campaign that produced five goals and seven assists in 39 appearances.
- Data cited by reporters shows Hackney’s physical and passing numbers compare well with Premier League midfielders, including 11.745 km covered per 90 minutes and 64.73 passes per 90.
- For Everton the move would address midfield needs as experienced options near contract ends, and a completed transfer could trigger a bidding contest that helps Middlesbrough balance their squad and finances.