Everton have now officially opened talks with Middlesbrough over the signing of Hayden Hackney.
The Athletic believe the Toffees are in discussions with the Championship side after the England U21 international entered the final 12 months of his contract, a situation which could see him move for as little as £10m this summer.
Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Manchester United are also fans of the Middlesbrough No.7 – although The Athletic state his ‘preference’ is a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
How would you feel about Hayden Hackney becoming Everton’s first signing? 🤩
Everton in talks to make Hayden Hackney the first signing of the summer
The 23-year-old would be an exciting addition for David Moyes if this deal materialises.
Hackney just won the 2025/26 Championship Player of the Season award after a fine campaign with Middlesbrough, in which he scored five goals and provided eight assists in 38 appearances as Boro reached the play-off final.
The Athletic state that Middlesbrough are by no means desperate to sell the Redcar-born midfielder and are even prepared to let him leave on a free transfer next summer, instead of rushing to cash in now.
However, it remains to be seen if that stance holds up, considering Boro missed out on the riches of the Premier League to Hull City – and revealed losses of £11.4m in February 2026 as detailed by the BBC.
The potential arrival of Hackney would potentially see a current Everton midfielder walk away.
Idrissa Gueye is still yet to reach an agreement over a new deal – with his current terms expiring in a matter of days – so the Middlesbrough academy graduate could replace the Senegal international.
It would be a sensible swap – in our view – considering Gueye turns 37 in November, whereas Hackney is only 23 years of age.
What would you do with Idrissa Gana Gueye this summer? 😬
He's got a one-year extension clause in his deal…
Tim Iroegbunam could also leave amid interest from Ipswich, so there might be plenty of change in Everton’s midfield department this summer.
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