After recently taking a look at the news surrounding a possible interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, the most recent update suggests that conversations have begun.
Everton inside The Bobble reported this morning that talks have begun between the two sides about Hackney moving to Merseyside, further noting that the player's "preference is to join Everton over a number of other Premier League clubs."
Hackney, who'll turn 24 later this month, has been with Boro since 2018 and has played all but 28 of his 165 career appearances for the club. He is coming off his best season in terms of goal contributions, netting five times while adding seven assists for a Middlsbrough side that just missed promotion to the top-flight.
The discussions between Everton and Middlesbrough were confirmed by David Ornstein at The Athletic, who added that Hackney's current club is "prepared for Championship PoTY to enter final 12 months unless suitable offer arrives."
The England Youth international is probably hoping a move up the ladder will help him get noticed in a crowded midfield group for Thomas Tuchel's England side, and likely sees Everton as an opportunity to play regular minutes, something other interested clubs, such as Crystal Palace and Spurs, may not offer.
Hayden Hackney's fit at Everton
There has been plenty of talk about the current situation in Everton's engine room, as it looks to be one area of the pitch where the club could make several changes.
Rumors are swirling about Tim Iroegbunam being sold, and Idrissa Gana Gueye's future is also up in the air. Given the Senegal international's age, a long-term replacement is needed there anyway.
To be clear, Hackney is not that. Instead, he's closer to Charly Alcaraz, another player Everton could unload from the midfield group during the summer. That would leave only James Garner, Harrison Armstrong, Merlin Rohl, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall left in the middle of the park for David Moyes.
Armstrong could probably benefit from a loan that keeps him out for the entire campaign, and even if Gana returns, it will likely be for just one season.
There would be a clear fit as the most advanced midfielder in Moyes' set up for Hackney, allowing Dewsbury-Hall to play a bit deeper as the connection between defense and attack.
Hackney can't be the only midfield option added, not to mention a right back (or two), another option on the wing (that could be Jack Grealish and/or Tyrique George), and a no.6 also needed, at the very least.
We'll continue to track the Hackney rumors as they come.
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