- Everton fail with bid for Hayden Hackney
- Crystal Palace still in race
- Middlesbrough under pressure to sell
Crystal Palace’s summer transfer plans have been handed a major boost after Premier League rivals Everton saw an approach for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney firmly knocked back.
According to a report from Sky Sports, the Toffees have already initiated contact to bring the 23-year-old to Hill Dickinson Stadium. However, Boro quickly rebuffed the Merseyside outfit’s initial advances, leaving the door wide open for the Eagles to swoop and win the race for his signature.
Crystal Palace are keen to bolster their options in the middle of the park ahead of what promises to be a demanding campaign. The Eagles successfully secured Europa League football for the upcoming season, and navigating a packed European schedule means squad depth and quality are crucial.
Crystal Palace given Hackney hope
The need for midfield reinforcements is further intensified by ongoing uncertainty within the squad. Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada is tipped to depart Selhurst Park as a free agent, while breakout star Adam Wharton continues to attract serious interest from several high-profile European clubs.
Hackney fits the exact profile of the dynamic, young English talent that Palace have excelled at developing in recent years. The midfielder enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Championship, chipping in with an impressive 14 goal contributions for Middlesbrough. Comfortable in possession and boasting the physicality required for top-flight football, he is widely expected to make the step up to the Premier League this summer.
An open race
Crucially for Palace, Boro find themselves in a vulnerable negotiating position. Hackney is entering the final year of his contract at the Riverside Stadium. While they were strong enough to reject Everton’s first lowball offer, they are under intense pressure to sell over the coming weeks to avoid losing their star asset for nothing next year.
Everton’s failed opening bid signals that the race is officially on, but Palace holds the ultimate trump card. While Tottenham are also credited with an interest, the lure of European nights at Selhurst Park and Steve Parish’s ambitious, trophy-laden project could be exactly what convinces Hackney that South London is the perfect destination for the next step in his career.
