Hayden Hackney to Everton: When his transfer from Middlesbrough could be confirmed
Everton are closing in on their first summer transfer in the form of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The Toffees have not had the fastest start to their summer recruitment drive.
After finishing 13th in the Premier League last season, there has been a clamour to improve the first-team squad and push on next term.
David Moyes will understand better than anyone the pressure to take Everton to the next level, and push for European football.
Central midfield is an area that has been identified as needing improve, with Idrissa Gana Gueye's future unresolved and Tim Iroegbunam having been linked with a move away.
It appears as though Hackney will add reinforcement in that area, and we may now have more of an idea of exactly when that will happen.
Hayden Hackney's Everton arrival timeline may be clearer
Paul Joyce reported a breakdown of the deal Everton have struck to sign the in-demand Hackney this summer.
The Times journalist reported that the Toffees will pay an initial £16.5million up front for Hackney.
A further £5m will due based on appearances, and another £3m related to Champions League and England achievements.
Now, the Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas has given a hint at when exactly the transfer could be announced.
Thomas, in his reporting of the story, stated that Everton and Boro want to have the deal sorted before the Championship side return to pre-season.
Boro are due to return to pre-season training on Thursday, so the announcement could well come before then.
Who else was in for Hayden Hackney?
Everton are pulling off somewhat of a coup for Hackeny, widely considered as one of the best talents in the second tier.
Crystal Palace were reportedly interested in hijacking Everton's move by launching a bid to take him to Selhurst Park.
Leeds United have previously been credited with an interest, as have Sunderland as they prepare for a Europa League campaign.
But Everton have seemingly landed one of their top summer targets, in what would be a strong start to their summer business.
Toffees supporters will be keen to see more through the door in the coming weeks, though, as they aim to kick on next season.
