Everton in 'defining' moment for Hayden Hackney as transfer likelihood revealed
Everton are set to face a decisive period in their efforts to sign Hayden Hackney.
The Middlesbrough star has been strongly linked to Merseyside at this early stage of the summer.
The second tier Player of the Year has caught the eye of David Moyes and Co. and could soon be on the move.
After Kim Hellberg's side missed out on promotion via the Championship playoffs, a departure was always likely for the Englishman.
An agreement appears to be edging closer even before the window has even opened.
The Toffees are now entering an important moment in the race to sign Hackney as the coming days could prove to be massively important.
Everton update shared in Hayden Hackney pursuit
There looks to be a cut-price deal there to be done with Boro as Hackney enters the final year of his contract at the Riverside.
That could make a deal in the region of £12million possible this summer, despite many years as a top Championship player.
Boro are pushing to get as high a fee as they possibly can by seeing how far the Blues will go.
Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas has suggested that Middlesbrough may eventually push for a sale before Everton turn to other options.
"Multiple clubs have been looking at him for quite some time but my understanding is the player’s preference is to join Everton," Thomas said.
"That means it is down to the two clubs to agree a deal, which does not appear to have been as straightforward as I think Everton hoped it would be."
Thomas added: "I think the defining factor in how these talks progress is whether anyone else officially challenges Everton for Hackney in the coming days. If no rival bids materialise, I think Middlesbrough might be more willing to compromise."
A side that is willing to offer more than the Toffees may be able to muscle their way to the front of the queue, but Moyes' men are still believed to be in pole position for Hackney.
Michael Carrick's love for Hackney should excite Everton fans
With the Blues seemingly fronting the queue to sign the midfielder, a deal could prove to be done within weeks.
That should be exciting, but many have questioned whether he will be able to make the step up to the Premier League.
They shouldn't worry as Manchester United boss and former Boro head coach Michael Carrick has already outlined how good Hackney is.
After taking charge at The Riverside in 2022, the ex-England international was never shy about hyping up the midfielder.
He once said: "It’s obviously challenging for me to know how and when to help him, but he’s been fabulous and keeps adding to his game all the time."
He has only gotten better in the years since as he continues to become more experienced and that looks set to serve him well if he joins the Toffees this summer.