Middlesbrough to accept ‘staggering’ Hayden Hackney offer amid Everton transfer latest
Middlesbrough will only consider staggering offers for Everton-linked Hayden Hackney in January, it has been reported.
Everton’s 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday highlighted some key areas of need in David Moyes‘ squad.
Everton were denied a penalty after Tyler Dibling’s shot struck Jaidon Anthony’s hand, but referee Craig Pawson waved away appeals before VAR also took a look at it, before concluding that it wasn’t handball.
Jack Grealish wasn’t available for Everton at Turf Moor, which saw Dwight McNeil start in his place.
Everton handed Hayden Hackney transfer update
It was an afternoon that once again put Everton’s lack of cutting edge in attack in the spotlight, as the Toffees registered just six shots on target with an expected goals (xG) of 0.88 – per FotMob.
Everton look sure to address this in the upcoming winter window, as Moyes’ side attempt to keep pace in the race for a European football spot next season.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hackney was strongly linked with Everton this summer, as the 23-year-old captured the attention of numerous Premier League clubs.
However, no move came to fruition for the box-to-box midfielder, who has continued to shine in the Championship for Boro during the first half of the 2025-26 campaign.
But, with the winter sales a matter of days away from starting, transfer talk is likely to resurface surrounding Middlesbrough’s number seven.
As per a report from The Northern Echo, Hackney still has a host of admirers that would certainly be interested in acquiring his services, but they also state that it would take a “staggering” offer in order to bring Boro to the negotiating table.
Hackney is now entering the final 18 months of his contract at the Riverside Stadium, but Kim Hellberg’s side are currently sitting second and in an automatic promotion place in the Championship, and surely won’t be willing to part with their best players mid-season as they look to see through their push for the Premier League.
West Ham, Wolves and Porto have all previously been linked with the Middlesbrough academy graduate in recent times too.
Everton could firm up Hackney interest if James Garner leaves
James Garner has been one of the standout performers in Everton’s side this season, with the 24-year-old starting every single one of the club’s 18 league games so far.
However, Garner has been heavily linked with a January switch to Manchester United, which would surely force the Toffees into the transfer market for his replacement.
- Hackney has scored three goals and provided five assists in the Championship this season
- He’s averaging a 7.57/10 rating per game – per FotMob
- Hackney has taken 54 shots, completed 1,200 passes, created 41 chances, made 136 recoveries and completed 30 dribbles in the Championship so far this term
Like Everton and Garner, much of Middlesbrough’s play goes through Hackney, as he’s a similar central midfielder who loves to get on the ball at every opportunity, before driving forward and creating attacking actions.
So, if Garner was to leave Everton in January, they could find his ideal replacement in the shape of Hackney, but Middlesbrough will ensure he won’t be leaving on the cheap.
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