Hayden Hackney: Everything Michael Carrick has said as Everton accelerate pursuit

Hayden Hackney is a target for Everton and several other clubs this summer after a successful Championship season.

The 23-year-old would have hoped to lead his boyhood club, Middlesbrough, back to the Premier League, but was injured as they fell to defeat in the play-off final.

Now, with just one year remaining on his contract this summer, the England youth international appears to be finally ready to seek a new opportunity.

Hackney’s breakthrough season came under the management of Michael Carrick, with some suspecting that Manchester United would attempt to reunite the pair.

Everton transfer chiefs appear to have stolen a march on any potential move to Old Trafford, however, with a deal progressing.

Michael Carrick was a big fan of Hayden Hackney

Football Insider exclusively revealed this week that Everton are keen to sign Hackney in the coming weeks, as they attempt to bolster their midfield.

Idrissa Gana Gueye is coming towards the final stages of his career, and there is a feeling that David Moyes does not favour long-term roles for Tim Iroegbunam or Merlin Rohl alongside James Garner.

Harrison Armstrong will be in the conversation eventually, but the 19-year-old is still learning his way in the Premier League and will have some way to go yet.

Hackney, while yet to feature in the Premier League, has established himself among the best midfielders in the second tier over the last couple of years.

The 23-year-old was named Championship Player of the Season for his campaign, despite missing the last eight games.

That potential was obvious to Carrick, who arrived at Middlesbrough in 2022 as Hackney was enjoying his breakthrough in midfield.

“He's a pleasure to work with. Hayden has come through the academy here and is a local lad," Carrick said in 2023. “It's a real bonus when you get someone like him.

“He's at the start of his journey and he has a lot of potential. We want to help him and develop him so he can be as good as he possibly can be."

Everton should be wary of Carrick

In 2024, Carrick said: “You couldn’t ask for much more from Hayden. He’s grounded, he’s humble, he’s down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well.

“To have that, added with the talent he has got, it’s the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time. It’s not easy when you’re a younger player, but he’s certainly done that."

While Man United have been said not to be in the race for Hackney this week, it is clear how highly Carrick values him.

The midfielder was all but omnipresent in the 44-year-old’s Middlesbrough team, and there is little doubt that the Englishman believes him capable of the Premier League level.

Whether that opinion is shared within the Man United boardroom, however, is another thing.

Everton should be wary, though, for a deal could come quickly if Carrick does manage to change his colleagues’ minds about Hackney.