Everton are reportedly leading the race to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who is said to prefer a move to Goodison Park over Manchester United, despite interest from Red Devils head coach Michael Carrick.
Hackney's Preference for Everton
The 23-year-old playmaker, who was named Championship Player of the Season for the 2025-26 campaign, has just one year left on his contract at Middlesbrough. After Boro's defeat to Hull City in the Championship play-off final, the club is expected to sell Hackney, with a £15 million fee mooted due to his contract situation.
According to The Athletic, Everton is Hackney's preferred destination as things stand. The Toffees are keen to add the midfielder to their squad, and Hackney is reportedly ready to snub interest from other suitors, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace.
Manchester United's Midfield Plans
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick, who previously worked with Hackney at Middlesbrough, was reportedly championing a pursuit for the midfielder earlier this week. However, United have other midfield targets they are prioritising, and a deal for Hackney may not materialise.
The Red Devils have already agreed a £39 million deal for Atalanta's Ederson, with an initial £35 million fee plus £4 million in add-ons. Ederson is set to sign a contract until 2030 after completing a medical, becoming Carrick's first signing.
United are also interested in Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, although Manchester City are favourites to land the sought-after midfielder. Other targets with Premier League experience include Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Baleba, and Sandro Tonali.
Middlesbrough could yet decide to keep Hackney for the final year of his contract, but a transfer appears likely given the player's desire to move and the club's need to avoid losing him for free next summer.
