Hayden Hackney set to report for Middlesbrough duty as Everton learn 'major surprise'

Hayden Hackney is set to report for pre-season duties with Middlesbrough despite his clear preference to join Everton.

The Toffees made the first move out of half a dozen Premier League sides for the 2025-26 Championship Player of the Year, but were knocked back.

It's said that the Blues then made another attempt to sign the Englishman, and though they came closer to Boro's valuation of their star man, it wasn't enough.

The Teessiders have slapped a £25million price tag on their homegrown product, who is entering his final 12 months.

David Moyes wants to sign a new central midfielder to partner James Garner for next season, and uncertainty remains around Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Hackney is the top midfield target for Everton, but the Toffees are yet to offer a desirable bid.

Hayden Hackney stance shared as Middlesbrough prepare for return

It's said that Middlesbrough are happy for Hackney to run down the final 12 months of his deal at the Riverside, and possibly let him go for free in just over a year's time.

The player himself, though, has no intentions of playing another campaign in the Championship and wants to realise his dream in the Premier League.

According to The Northern Echo this week, Everton have "discovered" that Kim Hellberg's side are unwilling to budge on their £25m valuation of the playmaker.

It's said that, as things stand, Hackney will return to Rockcliffe Park for the start of Boro's pre-season preparations, but it would be a "major surprise" if he was still at the club come the end of the summer window.

Though the 23-year-old wishes to leave, it's understood that he will not force his way out of his boyhood club.

Crystal Palace and Hackney latest that Everton need to know

Crystal Palace were another Premier League side named as interested in Hackney, though the Toffees still lead the chase due to the player's preference to come to Hill Dickinson.

The Daily Mail reported earlier in June that the Eagles were preparing a £20m offer for the former England U21 star.

However, there have been no reports to suggest that Middlesbrough have received a formal offer for him.

Boro themselves are yet to make a signing, with an expected "tight" summer budget relying on the sale of Hackney.

Everton may know this, which may be the reason for patience from Hill Dickinson chiefs.