Everton in talks with Hayden Hackney

Manchester United are continuing to assess midfield options as they look to strengthen key areas of the squad ahead of a busy summer window.

Michael Carrick’s side are expected to prioritise additions in midfield, with the club aiming to add both depth and long-term quality to support their Champions League return.

Recruitment discussions are already underway internally as United plan multiple moves across different positions.

The midfield rebuild remains a central focus of their transfer strategy.

One of the players previously under consideration by United is now attracting strong interest elsewhere, with Everton stepping up their pursuit of Hayden Hackney.

Everton in talks with Hayden Hackney

According to The Athletic, the Toffees have opened talks with Middlesbrough over a potential deal, although competition remains from several Premier League clubs.

The 23-year-old has also been monitored by Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Manchester United, but Everton are currently understood to be his preferred destination.

Despite that, other clubs are still keeping close watch on developments, with Hackney’s future far from settled.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are resigned to the midfielder entering the final year of his contract unless a suitable offer arrives.

Hayden Hackney featured 41 times across all competitions last season, contributing 6 goals and 8 assists in another strong season.

A product of Middlesbrough’s academy, he made his senior debut in early 2021 before gaining further experience on loan at Scunthorpe United during the 2021-22 season.

His real breakthrough came after Michael Carrick’s appointment at Middlesbrough in October 2022, where he became a regular fixture in the starting XI under the current Manchester United head coach.

Across his Boro career, Hackney has now registered 16 goals and 17 assists in 154 appearances, underlining his influence from midfield.

For United, Hackney remains on a broader shortlist of targets, with Atalanta’s Ederson viewed as the most likely early arrival, while names such as Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali continue to be monitored as part of a wider midfield overhaul.