Some transfer stories have a clarity that makes everything straightforward.
The player knows where he wants to go.
And the buying club knows they’re in pole position.
Everything just needs to be formalised.
That’s precisely where Hayden Hackney’s situation stands.
And Everton are the ones smiling.
Everton lead race to sign Championship Player of the Season Hayden Hackney
According to Sky Sports, Everton have revived their long-standing interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, with the 23-year-old high among the names David Moyes’ side are considering making a bid for this summer.
David Ornstein has since confirmed that Hackney’s preferred destination is Everton, and that formal club-to-club talks will follow.
Middlesbrough are resigned to losing him.
The picture is clear.
Hackney won the Championship Player of the Season award despite suffering play-off final heartbreak against Hull City at Wembley.
Nottingham Forest had an approach knocked back in January.
Ipswich came in last summer and were turned down.
Crystal Palace and Tottenham are high among the contenders now.
Manchester United have also been mentioned.
With Sky Sports noting they are looking at younger talented players and Hackney fits the profile, though United are not expected to pursue the move.
Everton, meanwhile, are moving with real purpose.
Hackney has just one year remaining on his contract.
A detail that significantly reduces Middlesbrough’s leverage and means a fee of around £25 million could be enough to get the deal done.
The connection with Michael Carrick adds an intriguing subplot.
It was Carrick who really unlocked Hackney’s potential at Middlesbrough.
And the now-Manchester United manager has spoken openly about his qualities.
That relationship exists.
But for this summer, Hackney is choosing Everton.
And Middlesbrough know the time has come to let him go.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
