Everton emerge as shock frontrunners for Manchester United and Spurs transfer target: report

Transfer Everton emerge as shock frontrunners for Manchester United and Spurs transfer target: report News By Joe Donnohue published 2 June 2026 The Hill Dickinson Stadium could be the unexpected destination for Championship Player of the Season Hayden Hackney this summer When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Hayden Hackney following Boro's play-off final defeat (Image credit: Getty Images) Copy link Facebook X Pinterest Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Everton have reportedly made a play to hijack a deal for the highly-rated midfielder. A report from the The Athletic indicates that the Merseysiders have stolen a march on their top-flight rivals, positioning themselves at the front of the race for Hackney's signature. Securing the Middlesbrough skipper will require fending off competition from across the Premier League. The 23-year-old’s reputation has skyrocketed over the past year, culminating in him being named Championship Player of the Season. You may like Michael Carrick's dream first Manchester United signing revealed as player expected to accept transfer proposal Who exactly is Hayden Hackney? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report Everton target PSV Eindhoven winger and soon-to-be World Cup star for summer transfer: report Hayden Hackney to Everton? David Moyes has worked wonders with fellow England youth international James Garner (Image credit: Getty Images)That standout individual campaign has inevitably triggered top-flight scouting missions, with London pair Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace both credited with a long-standing interest in the England Under-21 international. The most formidable obstacle to Everton’s pursuit, however, was widely expected to come from Old Trafford. Get VIP Everton tickets next season HERE with Seat Unique! Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock features a state-of-the-art Premium Experience. The packages, available for the 2025/26 season, will offer prime pitch views and easy movement between seats and lounges, ensuring a top-tier, seamless, and luxurious matchday environment consistent with the club's ‘Nothing but the best’ motto. View DealManchester United manager Michael Carrick is thought to have made no secret of his desire to bring his former Middlesbrough prodigy to Old Trafford. The tactical bond between the pair is considerable, with Carrick entrusted Hackney with a vital first-team role on Teesside, overseeing his development across 104 senior outings. Given that history, footballing circles heavily anticipated that Hackney would jump at the chance to accept a formal proposal from Man United to reunite with his former mentor. Get the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Yet, Everton’s intervention has altered the transfer landscape. Middlesbrough’s promotion ambitions were dashed by a painful defeat to Hull City in the Championship play-off final, rendering Hackney’s departure a near certainty. With the midfielder entering the final 12 months of his contract, the Boro hierarchy likely realise this window is their final opportunity to command a sizeable fee. While Manchester United have broader squad rebuilding priorities and Spurs assess their options, Everton appear to have moved decisively. By offering a guaranteed, central role in their Premier League midfield, the Toffees could be on the verge of pulling off one of the summer’s most impressive transfer coups. TOPICS Hayden Hackney Everton Middlesbrough Premier League Championship Joe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller. View More You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Logout Read more Person Who exactly is Hayden Hackney? 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