Everton enjoyed a steady 2025-26 Premier League campaign under David Moyes. The Toffees finished 13th in the table before shifting their focus towards strengthening the squad this summer.
The club have made midfield one of their main priorities during the current transfer window.
Everton have spent recent weeks searching for a player capable of adding quality and depth in the middle of the pitch.
Manchester United have also explored the market for midfield reinforcements.
The Red Devils continue to reshape their squad after returning to the UEFA Champions League under Michael Carrick. As a result, both clubs have found themselves tracking Hayden Hackney.
Everton have pursued the 24-year-old throughout the summer. However, Middlesbrough refused to sanction a deal after rejecting several approaches from the Merseyside club.
Despite those setbacks, Everton continued their negotiations. Now, the deal appears to be moving towards its final stages.
According to The Telegraph, discussions between the two clubs are reaching closing stages after Middlesbrough turned down at least three previous offers.
He scored five goals and registered seven assists as the club reached the Championship play-off final. The midfielder also collected the Championship Player of the Season award.
However, Middlesbrough’s promotion hopes suffered a major setback after Hackney picked up a groin injury during the closing weeks of the season.
The club won only two of their final eight league matches before returning him for the play-off final against Hull City.
Although Hackney featured at Wembley, he could not prevent Middlesbrough from suffering defeat.
Everton have remained determined to complete the transfer despite seeing several bids rejected earlier in the window.
Unless negotiations break down at the final hurdle, the Toffees now look set to beat Manchester United in this race.
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