Everton and Crystal Palace's Hayden Hackney plans outlined after 'rejected' £18m bid for Middlesbrough FC man
The latest on Middlesbrough’s Everton and Crystal Palace-linked star Hayden Hackney
Everton are reportedly expected to return to negotiations with Middlesbrough after seeing an £18m offer for Hayden Hackney rejected.
The midfielder is the subject of interest from a clutch of Premier League clubs but links to Everton have been particularly strong of late.
Middlesbrough are said to be adopting a tough stance on Hackney, seemingly intent on pocketing a hefty fee if they are to lose their most coveted asset.
Hayden Hackney latest
According to Mail Online, Everton have seen an bid of £11m plus £7m in add-ons knocked back by Middlesbrough.
The Championship club are thought to be holding out for a greater up-front sum, one that could aid their recruitment this summer. An up-front fee of £20m, plus £5m in add-ons, has been mooted as the desired offer.
It has been claimed Everton are set to get back into talks with Middlesbrough in the hope of reaching an agreement. Crystal Palace, meamwhile, are reportedly expected to make a move of their own for the Boro academy product.
Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney stance
Hackney may well be keen on playing Premier League football next season, but there is little benefit in Middlesbrough letting him go on the cheap.
A player of such high calibre will need replacing and a figure capable of filling Hackney’s boots is unlikely to be a low-cost recruit.
In a recent appearances on the Sky Sports Essential EFL Podcast, commentator Gary Weaver said: "I'd be surprised if Hayden Hackney is still at Middlesbrough by September.
"Brentford like him a lot. Everton like him. Forest and Ipswich both made bids last season. I think Middlesbrough are resigned to the fact he will probably go.
“He's been a fantastic Championship player this season. Even in that brief cameo in the [play-off] final you saw how opposition teams react to him."