Negotiations between Everton and Middlesbrough have certainly stalled over Hayden Hackney.
It would appear that Everton have put their foot down in transfer talks as Middlesbrough’s demands are failing to be met by the Blues.
Hackney is keen to join Everton, but the 23-year-old is currently yet to make a fuss on Teesside in an attempt to push through the move to Merseyside.
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However, something is going to have to give as Everton are seemingly unwilling to push their offer for Hackney much further.
Hayden Hackney may need to force through Everton transfer
It has been suggested that Crystal Palace are showing an interest in Hackney, but the Eagles are yet to make any official move.
There will be many who will feel as if the speculation surrounding Palace could just be a method by Boro to push out some extra money from Everton.
Ultimately, Everton and Boro are unable to reach an agreement and something is going to have to give if the midfielder is going to make the move to Finch Farm.
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Boro are playing hardball in the Hackney negotiations, with Everton being given the cold shoulder by the Championship outfit.
The big positive for Everton is Hackney’s desire to make the move this summer.
Having already given Angus Kinnear the green light, the 23-year-old will surely be keen to join up with David Moyes as quickly as possible.
It is understandable that Steve Gibson will be looking to squeeze every possible penny out of any potential deal for Hackney, but there has to be some realism.
Reports have suggested that Boro are open to keeping Hackney for the final year of his deal at the Riverside Stadium.
However, there is an eagerness from the player to move on following Boro’s failure to earn promotion to the Premier League.
If Gibson and the chiefs on Teesside fail to soften their stance, it may well need Hackney to take matters into his own hands to help push through Everton’s offer.
It must be stressed that Hackney is a local lad and came through the ranks at Boro, which may mean this proves a very last resort.
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