Middlesbrough eyeing Everton transfer as Hayden Hackney exit fears grow | OneFootball

Middlesbrough and Everton are engaged in talks over multiple transfers

Middlesbrough are preparing for another season in the Championship after suffering disappointment in the play-off final.

Boro finished fifth in the table, and were given a place in the play-off final after their semi-final opponents were expelled from the competition after they had beaten Kim Hellberg’s side 2-1.

However, they were unable to make the most of their second opportunity, losing 1-0 to Hull City courtesy of an Oli McBurnie strike in stoppage time.

The Teesside outfit haven’t competed in the top flight since 2017, but will be hoping to end that wait in the next campaign.

But first the club faces a busy summer ahead, particularly as it will be Hellberg’s first pre-season since becoming head coach in November.

The Swede will be keen to bolster his first team squad in order to boost their chances of earning a place in the play-offs once again, or perhaps even winning automatic promotion.

Middlesbrough eye Everton transfer

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It has been reported by Teamtalk that Middlesbrough are interested in signing Harrison Armstrong from Everton.

The two clubs have been engaged in talks over a deal for Hayden Hackney already this summer, with no deal yet agreed.

However, the 19-year-old could go in the other direction, with the Championship side keen on his signature.

The youngster initially joined Preston North End on loan last summer, and he made 17 appearances in the second tier before returning to Merseyside in January.

Armstrong featured 13 times in the Premier League, starting on six occasions, as David Moyes’ side finished 13th in the table.

It’s understood that Everton are open to a loan move, but they are not currently considering a permanent deal.

But their pursuit of Hackney could complicate matters, with a clear gap in valuation currently preventing an agreement.

Middlesbrough are reportedly holding out for up to £25 million for the midfielder, despite the fact he is entering the final year of his contract, and thus could leave as a free agent in 2027.

Everton face competition from the likes of Crystal Palace, Fulham, Brighton and Nottingham Forest in the race for Hackney’s signature.

It’s possible that a deal for Armstrong could help grease the wheels in their negotiations for Hackney, although the two moves are not thought to be involved with each other at this stage.

Hackney featured 38 times for Boro in the Championship last season, contributing five goals and seven assists.

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Harrison Armstrong interest could help speed up Hayden Hackney deal

Armstrong performed well in the Championship last year, but struggled to make the step up to the Premier League.

He is still only 19, and it’s not surprising that he looked a little out of his depth, but he could still become a key player for Everton in the future.

However, Hackney is highly sought after, and the Merseyside outfit may have to accept a move for Armstrong in the other direction in order to get that deal over the line.

Losing the midfielder would be a big blow for Middlesbrough, but Armstrong has the potential to be a solid replacement for him with the possibility of becoming a very valuable asset for the club in the long run.