Hayden Hackney reveals how Middlesbrough affinity still takes over on Everton matchday

Hayden Hackney still has Middlesbrough in his thoughts after moving to Everton.

The midfielder was quickly made a top target this summer, as the Toffees moved first for his signature ahead of other Premier League clubs.

The Blues signed the 24-year-old for an initial £16million fee, with a further £7m worth of add-ons also included.

Hackney chose Everton ahead of the likes of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and more, and has started brightly at Hill Dickinson.

The Englishman has been open about how difficult it was to move away from his boyhood club Boro, where he played 154 times and even wore the armband.

Hackney is happy to be at Everton, but also has a routine involving his former side on matchdays.

Hayden Hackney reveals pre-match Middlesbrough routine on Everton matchday

Everton feel like they have secured a good deal for Hackney, who won the Championship Player of the Season award last term.

The Redcar-born talent was entering his final 12 months of his deal on Teesside, which allowed the Toffees to financially capitalise on the move.

He has even been backed to play for England in the future, but faces his own challenges in L3, with James Garner and Harrison Armstrong providing him with stiff competition.

Hackney was invited back to Middlesbrough on Sunday for their 150th anniversary celebration, as he was introduced to fans at half-time of the club's legacy game, which featured former Boro legends.

Speaking separately to BBC Tees Sport, the box-to-box midfielder opened up on his love for Boro, and even shared what he often does on an Everton matchday

Hackney said: "It's unreal to be back. This is class, isn't it? This is home; everyone knows it was a dream to play for Middlesbrough every weekend.

"To be able to come back and see the full crowd and to see all the legends, it's unreal.

"There's been a few early kick-offs which I've had on my iPad on the way to the [Everton] games, so obviously I'm keeping up with the scores, and we're doing really well."

Boro have kicked off at 12.30pm several times already this season, which will allow Hackney to watch his former side while travelling to Everton games, which usually kick off at 3.00pm on Saturdays.

How Everton have already financially benefited from Hackney

Hackney has impressed early on for Everton, but is still trying to earn the trust of David Moyes.

His best performance came in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United, as he came off the bench to assist Tyrique George's first goal for the club.

He holds high potential sell-on value for the Blues, as Transfermarkt already value him at just over £27m.

That's an £11m gain on what the Toffees paid up front for the former Middlesbrough fan favourite.