(Credit: Imago/Breaking Media)

Jacob Raw

Sun 31 May 2026 17:40, UK

Everton have been keeping tabs on Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who is set to get his Premier League move this summer.

The Toffees are interested in signing a defensive midfielder this summer, and David Moyes‘ side have had their eyes peeled on Boro’s key star for a while now.

Moyes has several areas which he wants to improve, including a striker and the right-back position, but Hackney has emerged as someone who could take Idrissa Gana Gueye’s place at Hill Dickinson.

The 23-year-old was unable to achieve promotion from the Championship with Boro, but it’s believed that his boyhood club won’t stand in his way of a dream move to the Premier League.

Everton have monitored Hackney and are interested in signing him, as a move for the midfielder may have just taken another step in the right direction.

Gary Weaver shares Hayden Hackney gossip amid Everton interest

Everton could be involved in a bidding war for Hackney, which is expected to start at £12million.

The Englishman has just over 12 months left on his deal, and though he won the Championship’s Player of the Season award, he should be available for cheaper than usual this summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Simeon Gholam, EFL commentator Gary Weaver shared what he knows about Everton’s interest in Hackney, and what Boro’s likely stance is now.

Weaver said: “I would be surprised [if he stayed]. I know Brentford like him a lot, I know Everton like him a lot. I think there will be plenty of options for Hackney.

“Middlesbrough are pretty much resigned to the fact that he is probably going to go. There was talk from some people I know on Teesside that he may have gone anyway. He’s been a fantastic player.”

Everton will have to face competition for Hackney, but given their long-standing admiration for the youngster, the player himself could be attracted to making a switch to Merseyside.

It now looks all but confirmed that Hackney will leave Boro, after he was seen in tears after the Teessiders lost the Championship Play-off final to Hull City, showing a lap of appreciation to fans as he left the field.

Everton would get James Garner 2.0 in Hackney

James Garner needs a top-class midfield partner to compliment his own ability, or he himself could seek an exit.

Thankfully, Everton are linked with another all-action midfielder in Hackney, who can do both sides of the game well, similar to Garner.

However, the Boro star is arguably better in the final third and ranks as one of the best players in Europe for progressive carries and forward balls.

Many on Teesside are confident that Hackney is the best player to come through the ranks at Boro’s academy in recent times, despite players like Marcus Tavernier and Djed Spence once being important players at The Riverside.

Everton could be getting themselves a mini Garner, and a future England starter, who simply can’t miss out.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.