Everton's pursuit of Hayden Hackney is no longer just about identifying a midfielder they like. Everton have already had two bids rejected by Middlesbrough, are preparing a third offer, and now Crystal Palace are expected to enter the race with more money on the table.
The current shape of the deal is simple enough. Middlesbrough are holding out for about £20m, with reports also putting the package closer to £25m once add-ons are included. Everton's latest offer was worth £18m in total, made up of £11m guaranteed and £7m in bonuses, so the Toffees are still short of the line they need to cross.
Joe Thomas said Hackney's preference is to join Everton, but also noted that the deal has not been straightforward. That matters here. Player preference helps, but it does not settle a market when another club is ready to go nearer the asking price.
Why Middlesbrough think they can push the fee higher
Hackney's output explains why Middlesbrough are standing firm. He won the EFL Championship Player of the Season award, and the numbers from his campaign back that up. One version of his season has him on 6 goals and 8 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, which is exactly the sort of return that lets a selling club ask for more.
There is some disagreement over the precise season totals, with one outlet giving the same 6 goals and 8 assists in 41 appearances for Boro, while another has him on 6 goals and 3 assists in the most recent campaign. Even with that variation, the broader point holds: this was a productive season, and Middlesbrough are treating him like a premium sale rather than a bargain move.
Gordon Strachan was even blunter about the player. "He's been absolutely brilliant. He takes your breath away when you watch him and he's matured in his play. People will ask if he's for sale and really, everyone is for sale," he told givemesport.com.
That is the tone Middlesbrough are working with. If Palace are willing to get closer to the asking price, Everton will need to decide how much they really want to stretch for a midfielder they have already chased twice without success.
Where the race stands now
This is still not a completed deal, and that matters as Palace loom. Everton's interest is clear, Hackney's preference points their way, and Middlesbrough's valuation has not shifted yet. The next bid is supposed to move closer to £20m, but Palace's arrival could make that harder to land.
Everton also have other midfield issues to manage, including talks with Iliman Ndiaye over a new deal and the uncertainty around Idrissa Gueye's contract at the end of the month. Even so, Hackney looks like the player they want most in this market.
If Everton win him, they will probably have to pay close to what Middlesbrough want. If they do not, Palace look ready to make that decision for them.
FAQ
Will Everton beat Crystal Palace to Hayden Hackney?
Everton have made Hayden Hackney a priority, but they have already had two bids rejected and Middlesbrough are holding out for around £20m. Crystal Palace are expected to move nearer the asking price, so Everton still have work to do if they want the deal done first.
Why is Hayden Hackney costing so much this summer?
Middlesbrough believe Hackney is worth around £20m, with some reports putting the total closer to £25m once add-ons are included. That valuation is backed by a strong end to the season, including 6 goals and 8 assists across all competitions in one of the versions of his campaign record.
What have Everton offered for Hayden Hackney so far?
Everton’s latest offer was worth £18m in total, made up of £11m guaranteed and £7m in bonuses. It still fell short of Middlesbrough’s demand, which is why a third offer is being prepared.
Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →