All seemed to be going swimmingly for Everton during talks with Middlesbrough over the signing of Hayden Hackney.
Everton insider The Bobble claimed on Friday that discussions between both sides were “going well” as The Friedkin Group attempt to bring the England U21 international to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
However, an update has now been issued by Sky Sports which throws a spanner in the works for David Moyes.
How would you feel about Hayden Hackney becoming Everton’s first signing? 🤩
Talks between Everton and Middlesbrough have stopped
Sky Sports believe Everton have been “firmly knocked back” by the Championship side after submitting an opening bid – the value of which is undisclosed.
It is said that the Toffees are “far away” from Middlesbrough’s valuation of Hackney and “no further talks” are scheduled to take place – suggesting the deal has hit a wall.
Everton presumably feel they can get the 23-year-old for a bargain sum, considering he only has 12 months remaining on his contract and could leave on a free transfer next summer.
That is why the Telegraph believe a deal could be done for as little as £10m – although Middlesbrough sound like they are standing firm.
A story from The Athletic even claimed that Middlesbrough are willing to let Hackney enter the final year of his contract and run the risk of losing him for nothing, rather than cash in this summer.
If Everton were the only side in this race, then the Toffees could potentially afford to be difficult and keep haggling.
However, Sky Sports say Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Crystal Palace are also interested, so there is the danger of a potential bidding war commencing if Everton fail to strike an agreement quickly.
If you were Angus Kinnear who would you be going all out for this summer? 💰
The Toffees do have the bonus of being Hackney’s preferred destination at this moment in time, so the quicker Everton can appease Middlesbrough in talks over a fee, the better.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
