Hayden Hackney’s preferred next club revealed as Middlesbrough exit looms | OneFootball

The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough are set to pay the price for missing out on promotion to the Premier League by losing their talisman Hayden Hackney.

Kim Hellberg's side were beaten 1-0 by Hull City in the play-off final after Oli McBurnie's stoppage time winner, but the midfielder played just 20 minutes on his return to injury.

Even if Boro had been promoted from the Championship, there is no guarantee that the 23-year-old would have remained at the Riverside Stadium due to his ability and high ceiling.

Several top-flight clubs, including Everton, Tottenham and Crystal Palace, have been linked with the central-midfielder and now his preference has been revealed.

Everton lead race to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough would have known that failing in their bid to reach the promised land would result in interest in their best players, and it feels only a matter of time until they lose their captain.

Hackney has risen through the ranks on Teesside and this season has seen him produce the best returns of his career with five league goals and eight assists.

Not only that, but the 23-year-old's fine performances earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season despite missing the business end of the campaign through injury.

Hackney's preference is to join Everton this summer and, as things stand, it puts the Toffees in pole position to secure his services, according to The Athletic.

The publication reports that negotiations between the clubs have yet to take place, but once the player has finalised his decision, that part will follow before a deal can be struck.

They add that Spurs and Palace are also high among his suitors and retain firm interest, and while Manchester United like him, he is lower on their list of targets, meaning a move to Old Trafford is not anticipated at present.

Would Everton be a good move for Hackney?

Hackney's next career move is critical and if he wants to develop into a full England international in the future, then he needs a club that can nurture his development.

With that in mind, Everton feels like a decent fit for the midfielder as they are a secure Premier League club with a strong fanbase and potential to push for Europe next season.

In David Moyes, the Toffees possess an excellent man-manager and someone who backs his players even if they are going through challenging times.

For competition, Hackney would primarily need to battle James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye for a place, while there are several other central-midfielders fighting for their right to wear the famous blue.

Given that Gueye is 36 and out of contract this summer, that could open the door for a starting berth for the Boro man heading into the 2026/27 season.

On the face of it, a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium represents a low-risk move and high potential for first-team football, and if such a switch comes to fruition, then Everton would have some talent on their hands.