Everton looks like it has won the race for one of the Championship’s most coveted midfielders, with Hayden Hackney understood to prefer a move to Merseyside over approaches from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The 24-year-old Middlesbrough midfielder has reportedly made his preference clear, and Everton’s position at the front of the queue reflects a broader strategy at the club to bring in young English talent before the upcoming season.
What we know about the deal
The transfer is estimated to be worth around £15 million, which sits at the lower end of what Premier League clubs are currently paying for promising domestic midfielders.
For context, that price range reflects a market where young English talent regularly commands fees between £15 million and £30 million, meaning Everton could be getting Hackney at a relative bargain if the deal goes through at the reported figure.
