Middlesbrough may have just put a spanner in the works of Everton’s Hayden Hackney pursuit.
David Moyes and the recruitment team on Merseyside will have been hoping for a quick start to the summer transfer window.
It has been suggested that Everton are leading the race to sign Hackney following the latest round of talks with the midfielder.
If you were Angus Kinnear who would you be going all out for this summer? 💰
However, there may now be an issue for Everton after Boro have opened themselves up to the idea of allowing the 23-year-old to leave next summer on a free.
Middlesbrough make worrying Hayden Hackney decision for Everton
Angus Kinnear impressed Hackney with his Everton sales pitch during a meeting with the midfielder and his camp.
Unfortunately, the positive work from the Everton CEO may not land them the player.
A report by The Times is now claiming that Boro could keep Hackney for the final year of his deal and allow him to leave next summer on a free.
How would you feel about Hayden Hackney becoming Everton’s first signing? 🤩
The hope would be that Boro could use the Championship Player of the Season to gain promotion, which could then open up talks over a new deal.
In order to prise Hackney away from Teesside, Everton have been informed they will need to lodge a bid in excess of £20m.
Lee Carsley has been so impressed with Hackney, who has enjoyed his best season yet in the Championship with Boro.
Winning the Championship Player of the Season award has certainly increased the valuation of the midfielder at the Riverside Stadium.
Hackney has dedicated his whole career to his boyhood club, but the Championship Play-Off final defeat may have marked the end of his spell in the north east.
Although Boro are willing to keep Hackney for the final year of his deal, the asking price has been made clear to the Friedkins on Merseyside.
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