Everton are in talks with Middlesbrough over a potential move for midfielder Hayden Hackney.The Athletic reported on June 2 that several Premier League clubs were interested in signing Hackney, who has 12 months left on his Middlesbrough contract.Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Crystal Palace have been among his suitors, and though Hackney’s preference is to join Everton, interest in the 23-year-old remains from elsewhere.Middlesbrough are prepared for the midfielder to enter the final year of his contract unless an offer arrives which they consider to be suitable.Everton have also considered Southampton’s Shea Charles as they look to strengthen their midfield, while there is doubt over the futures of Tim Iroegbunam, who has attracted interest from elsewhere in recent months, and Idrissa Gueye, who the club are set to hold talks with his contract expiring this month.Hackney made 41 appearances in all competitions for Middlesbrough last season, scoring six goals and providing eight assists. A graduate of Middlesbrough’s academy, Hackney made his senior debut in January 2021. He joined Scunthorpe United on loan later that year, spending the 2021-22 season on loan with the then-League Two side.