Exclusive: Middlesbrough Plan to Accept Hayden Hackney Offer After Everton News

Middlesbrough are poised to accept an offer for star midfielder Hayden Hackney following fresh interest from Everton, amid the club's push for Championship promotion.[1][7] The 23-year-old academy graduate has been a standout performer this season, contributing 4 goals and 5 assists in 32-33 Championship appearances, helping Boro sit top of the table under manager Kim Hellberg.[1][3][4][6]

Hackney's versatility as a box-to-box or defensive midfielder, with high passing accuracy (64 passes per 90 minutes) and game intelligence, has drawn Premier League attention.[1][6] Everton, linked strongly last summer, see him as a replacement for departing Idrissa Gueye, forming a potential partnership with James Garner.[1] Recent reports indicate Everton aim to capitalize on Boro's situation, especially if promotion falters.[1][7]

Ally McCoist noted on talkSPORT that promotion would allow Middlesbrough to retain assets like Hackney, but failure could force a sale for financial reasons.[1] Despite Hackney calling playing for boyhood club Boro a "dream," his contract situation raises concerns, with suitors including Leeds United (priority target), Manchester United, Fulham, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Wolves, West Ham, and even Manchester City or Liverpool eyeing midfield reinforcements.[2][3][4][5][6][8][9]

Boro rebuffed January bids, demanding around £30m, but Leeds and others believe they have funds if Boro miss promotion.[4][5] Hackney's stats shine in heavy clashes, like 114 touches and 6 key passes vs. Coventry, though critics question his physicality for certain Premier League systems.[5][6] As Boro lead the possession-heavy league (57.9%), Hackney's role in Hellberg's fluid style positions him as Premier League-ready.[3][6]

With Everton news accelerating talks, Middlesbrough may reluctantly accept to fund ambitions, though promotion remains their best retention strategy.[1][3][4]

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