UMVA has learned that Everton are on the brink of landing a major transfer coup, with Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney emerging as their top target.
The 23-year-old midfielder has caught the eye of several Premier League giants, but sources close to the player have revealed that Goodison Park is his preferred destination, making a move to Everton increasingly likely.
Middlesbrough's narrow miss on promotion to the top flight has forced the Championship side to consider cashing in on their star asset, and Hackney's impending exit has sparked a fierce battle for his signature.
Top-flight clubs, including Tottenham, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace, are all circling the England Under-21 international, but Everton appear to have stolen a march on their rivals.
Hackney's impressive form last season, which earned him the Championship Player of the Season award, has made him a hot commodity, with Middlesbrough holding out for a hefty £30 million fee.
The deep-lying playmaker played a massive part in Middlesbrough's dramatic road to the Championship playoff final, racking up five goals and seven assists in 39 appearances, and his loss will be a bitter pill for the club to swallow.
Despite interest from several top-flight clubs, Hackney's heart appears to be set on a move to Everton, and UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Toffees are primed to secure his services in a major transfer coup.
Manchester United's search for a new central anchor is well underway following the departure of a key player, and while Hackney is on their radar, he sits slightly lower down their current shortlist.
Tottenham have also monitored his progress closely as they look to inject youthful dynamism into their midfield, but Everton's early move appears to have given them a significant advantage.
Losing Hackney will be a significant blow to Middlesbrough, given his monumental impact over the past season, but the club will be buoyed by the prospect of a lucrative transfer fee.
