Everton plotting Middlesbrough transfer swoop | OneFootball

The Middlesbrough midfielder is being watched by Premier League outfit Everton

Everton are reportedly keeping tabs on Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

Boro have been one of the Championship’s standout sides this season and have remained competitive despite a large shakeup occurring in the midst of their campaign.

After 21 matches, the Riverside outfit trail league leaders Coventry City by five points and enjoy a seven-point gap to Preston North End in third place. Middlesbrough were the division’s early pacesetters under Rob Edwards but were slowly caught and surpassed by Coventry.

Edwards compounded their problems by leaving his post in the North East to lead forward Premier League outfit Wolves, which rendered Boro managerless at a crucial moment in their season.

In came Kim Hellberg, who won his first four matches in charge of Middlesbrough, to quell any fears of a potential drop-off after Edwards’ exit. There have been a number of crucial operators who have played a vital role in Boro’s success this term, but perhaps none more so than Hayden Hackney.

Everton plotting Hayden Hackney, Middlesbrough transfer

Hackney has been one of Middlesbrough’s standout performers for a number of years now, featuring consistently in their first team for the last four seasons.

Last term saw the midfielder make 43 Championship appearances, displaying an incredible amount of consistency for a footballer aged just 23.

As a result, plenty of interest in his services emerged during the summer. Ipswich Town had a £20m bid accepted for the midfielder, but Hackney decided to turn down that move and remain at the Riverside.

Football League World exclusively revealed that Wolves also lodged a £20m offer for Hackney, with the potential for that deal to rise to £30m. Although none of those transfers came off, it appears that interest in his services has continued to ramp up.

According to Teamtalk, Everton are tracking Hackney as a potential candidate to solve their midfield issues.

The report states that the 23-year-old is switching his agent in January, which could suggest a potential exit if the correct opportunity arises and that factor may fill Middlesbrough with some fear.

Everton were linked with a move for the midfielder during the summer, and may look to explore a transfer once more.

Hackney has a contract at the Riverside until 2027 and would likely command a similar transfer fee to those that were flying in during the summer.

Middlesbrough may take comfort in Hayden Hackney’s previous decisions as Everton lurk

Naturally, fear may begin to spread throughout portions of Middlesbrough’s fanbase at the news that Everton are tracking Hackney.

The Toffees no doubt enjoy the resources available to complete a transfer and could offer him the enticing prospect of regular Premier League football.

However, Boro’s faithful can take comfort in the actions Hackney has taken in the past. When Ipswich had a bid accepted for his services in the summer, he chose to remain in the North East.

Therefore, it can be assumed that with Middlesbrough