Palace prepare rival move

Crystal Palace are preparing a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, setting up a potential transfer battle with Everton for one of the Championship’s most highly rated players.

Palace are expected to put together a package worth close to £20 million, although Middlesbrough value Hackney at around £25 million, according to a SportsView report.

The 23-year-old has one year remaining on his current contract, a situation that has increased interest from Premier League clubs during the summer window.

Everton have already made their move

Everton have been pushing to sign Hackney and have already seen two offers rejected by Middlesbrough.

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Their first bid, worth around £12 million, was turned down before the Merseyside club returned with an improved package of about £15 million. That offer also fell short of Middlesbrough’s valuation.

Hackney is understood to favour a move to Everton, but Palace’s interest could now complicate the picture.

Hackney’s reputation continues to grow

Hackney has developed into one of the standout midfielders outside the Premier League. His performances for Middlesbrough have drawn wider attention, with Manchester United and Tottenham also previously linked with the player.

In the 2025/26 season, he scored five goals and provided seven assists in 39 Championship appearances. His form earned him the Championship Player of the Season award and a place in the division’s Team of the Season.

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He has also impressed at international level, playing an important role for England Under-21s during their European Championship triumph last summer.

Middlesbrough know his value

Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has made clear how highly he rates the midfielder, describing him as an important player both on and off the pitch.

“He’s very important, of course. He’s a top player and person,” Hellberg said, quoted by BBC Sport. “In every aspect of the game he’s good, defensively and offensively.”

Hellberg also acknowledged that interest from Premier League clubs was no surprise.

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“I think he’d be able to play for a lot of Premier League teams and do good, that’s how good he is,” he said.

Summer decision approaching

Hackney has made 142 appearances for Middlesbrough since making his debut in early 2021, becoming one of the club’s most important players.

With his contract entering its final year and Premier League clubs circling, Middlesbrough face a difficult decision. They can hold firm on their valuation and risk losing value later, or accept that this summer may be the right time to sell.

For Palace and Everton, the question is whether either club is prepared to get close enough to Middlesbrough’s asking price to complete the deal.

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Sources: sportsview.co.uk, www.bbc.com

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