EVERTON COMPLETE SIGNING OF HACKNEY FROM MIDDLESBROUGH

Everton have completed the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough on a five-year contract. The deal is valued at an initial £16.5m, with potential add-ons bringing the total to £25m. Hackney was named player of the year in the Championship last season and was previously captain at Middlesbrough. He had 12 months remaining on his contract with the club when negotiations concluded.

Middlesbrough rejected multiple bids from Everton whilst holding out for their £25m valuation, with interest from Crystal Palace strengthening their negotiating position. The add-ons in Hackney's contract include clauses tied to the player representing England at senior level. Hackney stated that joining Everton was his preferred destination once the club's manager expressed interest. He said he was attracted by the club's status, its new stadium development and the manager's history of signing players from the Championship to compete in the Premier League.

Everton manager David Moyes said the club had tracked Hackney for some time and described him as a promising young player. Moyes noted that Everton had a track record of identifying Championship players who went on to perform successfully at the club. The signing represents Everton's first confirmed acquisition of the summer transfer window, with reports indicating the club is also close to securing winger Tyrique George from Chelsea.