Hayden Hackney: Everton are set to sign the Middlesbrough midfielder

Everton Middlesbrough are close to agreeing a deal to sign highly-rated midfielder Hayden Hackney.

The 24-year-old was integral to Middlesbrough’s promotion push as the Teessiders lost to Hull City in the play-off final at Wembley last month, which ended in disappointment.

The final figure is still being negotiated with Hackney, who has a year left on his Middlesbrough contract, but sources say it will be at least £16m.

Hackney was born in Redcar and attended Borough’s academy at under-10 level.

Crystal Palace The player was linked, but it is understood he was keen to work with David Moyes Everton And now could be the club’s first summer signing.