'I spoke to my Middlesbrough contacts' - Keith Wyness reveals what he's heard about Hayden Hackney to Everton
Everton are on the verge of completing their move to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
That is according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the transfer will be announced by the end of the week.
The Merseysiders are set to shell out an initial fee of £16million for the 24-year-old, with a series of add-ons to take the deal up to £24m.
Wyness has spoken to his contacts at the Riverside Stadium, and considers Hackney to be a perfect fit for Everton's squad, both in a footballing and personal sense.
The former England U21 international notched five goals and seven assists in the Championship last term, and has been widely sought-after this summer.
Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have all been linked with moves for the starlet, but it is Everton who have won the race.
Keith Wyness: Hayden Hackney deal includes Champions League payment
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that £3m of the total package for Hackney is reliant on Everton qualifying for the Champions League.
The former boardroom man has revealed that Middlesbrough will land the fee if the Toffees return to Europe's premier club competition, and believes that it is a good move for all parties.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness emphasised that £3m will feel like pocket change if that clause comes into effect.
"Yeah, very much so (it'll be announced this week). From what I'm hearing, it's as good as done. £16m plus add-ons to get it close to £24m, and I understand that £3m of that is a Champions League bonus," he said.
I'm sure they'd all be very happy to pay that £3m if Everton make the Champions League. I spoke to some of my Middlesbrough contacts, asking about his personality and his character.
"He seems to be exactly the sort of lad that will respond to David Moyes and do well for him. I think he could be an interesting element, and I think he'll be really trying to prove himself. It's a great buy."
David Moyes already has clear plan for Hackney
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that Everton see Hackney as the perfect midfield partner for James Garner.
The ex-recruitment man noted that the Toffees' scouts have been wowed by the Middlesbrough star's technical ability.
Brown believes that several players in Moyes' squad are not as "comfortable in possession" as he would like, and feels this is a clear move to address that issue.
Hackney is an expensive acquisition for Everton, who have had to work quickly to fend off competition for him.