Overview
- Multiple outlets report on Monday that Middlesbrough want about £20m up front plus £5m in add‑ons for Hayden Hackney and have rejected Everton’s reported £18m offer made earlier in the window.
- Hackney is said to prefer a move to Everton while Crystal Palace and other clubs have been linked, with Palace reportedly prepared to move closer to £20m.
- The midfielder was named Championship Player of the Season after a strong 2025–26 campaign and former defender Gary Pallister says that form has pushed his value above last summer’s £20m interest.
- Hackney has one year left on his contract, which raises selling pressure on Middlesbrough but has not stopped the club from signalling it would keep him if bids do not meet their valuation.
- The next steps to watch are whether Everton or Palace increase their offers or whether Middlesbrough hold the player through the season, a decision that will affect Boro’s transfer plans and their chances of winning promotion.