Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Hayden Hackney has made 154 appearances and scored 16 goals for Middlesbrough
BySimon Stone, Chief football news reporter and Nizaar Kinsella, Football reporter- Published29 minutes ago
Everton are close to agreeing a deal to sign Middlesbrough's highly-rated midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The 24-year-old was integral to Middlesbrough's promotion push, which ended in disappointment as the Teessiders lost to Hull City in the play-off final at Wembley last month.
The final figure is still being discussed with Hackney, who has one year left on his Middlesbrough contract, but sources say it will be at least £16m.
Hackney was born in Redcar and joined Boro's academy at under-10 level.
Crystal Palace had been linked with the player, but it is understood he was keen to work with David Moyes at Everton and is now likely to be the club's first summer signing.
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