Hayden Hackney ‘to command’ around £25m as Everton pursue deal | OneFootball

Everton are pushing to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, with bids rejected and a price around £25 million, according to TEAMtalk.

Everton have seen offers of £12 million and £15 million turned down. Middlesbrough are holding out for a package worth about £25 million, and an agreement is said to be some way off.

Hackney, 23, is expected to depart this summer after Boro missed promotion to the Premier League. He is viewed as one of the Championship’s standout midfielders and was named Player of the Season.

Sunderland have explored his situation in recent months. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace are also understood to be interested, though Everton’s pursuit is considered the most advanced.

Any Sunderland move would carry added intrigue given Hackney’s Boro roots and the rivalry between the clubs. For now, Everton appear to be pushing hardest as the Toffees reshape their midfield under a new ownership structure.

Hackney has 12 months left on his deal, which complicates Boro’s stance. Rivals may feel that should trim the fee, but Middlesbrough still aim to maximise value. Idrissa Gana Gueye is out of contract this month, and the report also said River Plate have held talks over Charly Alcaraz. The price and Everton’s head start could make any deal challenging.

Source: Sunderland Echo