Overview

• Middlesbrough have accepted Ipswich’s improved proposal with the majority of the £20 million fee guaranteed up front
• Hackney is set to meet Ipswich officials in Suffolk after rejecting earlier bids to discuss a reported £35,000-per-week contract
• The 23-year-old remains undecided and is evaluating Ipswich’s offer against ongoing interest from Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham
• Sale proceeds will count as pure profit under Profit and Sustainability Rules and bankroll Middlesbrough’s pursuit of midfield and attacking recruits
• Hackney featured in 43 Championship games last season with five goals and three assists and was part of England’s U21 European Championship–winning squad