Everton have moved to the front of the queue to sign Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney, dealing a blow to several rival Premier League clubs.
Reports from The Athletic indicate that Goodison Park has become the 23-year-old’s personal preference as a summer destination.
Hackney’s likely departure follows Middlesbrough’s narrow failure to secure promotion to the top flight this season.
The Championship side are now prepared to cash in on their star asset rather than risk losing him under different circumstances.
Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Manchester United have all been credited with interest in the highly-rated midfielder.
Manchester United’s pursuit of a new central anchor has intensified following the departure of Casemiro from Old Trafford.
However, Hackney is reported to sit slightly lower down United’s current transfer shortlist despite their interest in him.
Tottenham have monitored the England Under-21 international closely as Roberto De Zerbi seeks to add youthful dynamism to his midfield.
Middlesbrough are holding firm on a £30 million asking price, hoping widespread Premier League interest will trigger a competitive bidding war.
Everton appear to have stolen a march on all rivals, with Hackney’s personal preference giving the Toffees a significant advantage in negotiations.
Hackney proved himself as the undisputed heartbeat of Middlesbrough’s team throughout a dramatic and memorable campaign this season.
The deep-lying playmaker registered five goals and seven assists across 39 appearances, earning him the Championship Player of the Season award.
His contributions were central to Middlesbrough’s dramatic run to the Championship playoff final at Wembley stadium.
An untimely injury ruled him out of both semi-final legs, though he bravely returned as a late substitute in the final against Hull City.
Boro ultimately suffered an agonising 1-0 defeat in that final, and Hackney now appears destined to make his long-anticipated step up to the Premier League.
