Everton are believed to be preparing a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney ahead of the January transfer window.
Toffees boss David Moyes is determined to focus on strengthening the backbone of his Everton side.
Injuries, inconsistency and contractual uncertainty have forced the club into the transfer market.
Of Everton insists on European footballReinforcements are clearly needed.
And one name is now firmly on their radar ahead of the upcoming January term.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has quietly established himself as one of the standout players in the Championship this season.
The 23-year-old fits into Everton’s recent signing profile of young, Premier League players with the potential to improve significantly.
Boro will be reluctant to let Hackney leave mid-season, but Everton’s interest in the England Under-21 international is only increasing.
Everton line-up for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney
Reports suggest Everton are keeping a close eye on Hackney ahead of the January transfer window.
The midfielder has featured in each of Middlesbrough’s 21 league games this season.
He has contributed three goals and six assists so far as Boro push for automatic promotion under new boss Kim Hellberg.
Middlesbrough are second in the Championship and are understandably reluctant to lose a key player midway through the campaign.
But Everton’s needs are great, and they may be willing to pay a significant fee.
BIG WIN
On to Wednesday @Boro pic.twitter.com/S7eaaLcOXt— Hayden Hackney (@HackneyHayden) October 18, 2025
Hackney’s current contract runs until 2027, but previous bids from Ipswich and Wolves of around £20 million were accepted in the summer.
Although the player opted to stay put, Everton can reasonably expect that a bid in that ballpark could be enough to force Middlesbrough’s hand.
From an Everton perspective, the appeal is clear.
Their midfield options look increasingly thin with Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye away from AFCON.
Merlin Rohl remains sidelined after surgery and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has suffered a hamstring injury.
Moyes continues to juggle limited options, with a clear need to add depth and quality.
Hackney has therefore emerged as a priority target for the Toffees.
And despite Boro’s position, a top-half Premier League club would make it difficult to keep Hackney.
A possible departure of James Garner could force Everton into action
Another driving force in Everton’s search for Hackney is the uncertain future of James Garner.
The midfielder performed excellently and is perhaps having his best season in a blue shirt.
Garner has played every minute of Everton’s Premier League season, covering multiple positions.
He even had to come in as a full-back Everton are targeting Botafogo’s Vitinho in January to add depth there as well.
James Garner. pic.twitter.com/64AbKnIegu
— Everton (@Everton) December 16, 2025
But his contract situation poses problems as Garner’s current contract expires at the end of the season.
Although Everton have a one-year extension option, interest from Manchester United and Newcastle complicates matters.
Moyes has made it very clear that he wants Garner to stay, while contract talks are still ongoing.
But should he leave, Hackney would be an ideal long-term replacement.
And even if Everton can tie Garner to a new contract, the club’s lack of depth in midfield makes signing Hackney a no-brainer.
Who is Hayden Hackney?
Redcar-born Hayden Hackney, a product of the Middlesbrough academy, has been a regular in the Teesside first team for several seasons.
He could operate as a six or eight, combining energy, intelligence and technical skill in midfield.
His work rate and tireless possession have been standout features, while he has steadily improved his goal contributions at the other end.
A special PFA recognition award for @Boro’s Hayden Hackney.
For his contributions to England Under-21s becoming European Champions. pic.twitter.com/xTjpo0ohPy
— PFA (@PFA) December 16, 2025
Boro boss Kim Hellberg recently described Hackney as a player who “can do anything” and praised his leadership qualities, even handing him the captain’s armband in recent matches.
That maturity, combined with his consistency, suggests he is ready to take the step up.
For Everton fans, Hackney represents a smart, cost-effective midfield option.
While not a major transfer from a top European club, he would make a smart signing who could quickly become central to David Moyes’ long-term plans.
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