Everton and Middlesbrough Far Apart on Transfer Fee for Hayden Hackney

Everton have made the first formal approach to Middlesbrough regarding a possible transfer for Hayden Hackney, the Championship Player of the Year. Despite this development, talks are stalled as the two clubs remain far apart on the midfielder’s price tag.

With just months left on his Middlesbrough contract, Hackney has attracted keen interest from several Premier League clubs. However, Middlesbrough have taken a firm stance, making clear they will only entertain a sale if their asking price is met. Sources close to the club dismiss the idea of a £10 million bid, considering it well below their valuation.

Prior to Everton’s contact, no official offers had been made for the 24-year-old midfielder, who has been with Middlesbrough since the age of nine and made over 150 appearances for the first team. Everton stand as the first club to reach out officially, and it remains uncertain whether their move will encourage other interested clubs like Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and Tottenham to submit formal bids.

Hackney’s progression from the club’s youth ranks to the senior squad has been steady, marked by 16 goals and 15 assists. His last appearance came in the Championship play-off final, a game that ended in disappointment for Middlesbrough as they failed to secure promotion. This outcome is widely seen as a turning point for Hackney’s future at the club.