Everton still favourites for Boro's Hackney published at 13:26 BST
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesEverton remain in pole position for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The Toffees have had two approaches rejected by Boro, who value the 23-year-old at around £20m.
Crystal Palace are also interested but Hackney currently favours a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Nothing has developed since Everton's second approach while the club are also considering other midfield options.
Hackney has a year left on his contract at the Riverside after rejecting a £20m move to Ipswich last summer.
The England Under-21 international, part of the squad which won Euro 2025 last summer, was happy to stay at Boro and did not want to move to another Championship side.
Nottingham Forest also had an approach turned down late in the winter window in February.
Academy graduate Hackney has made 154 appearances for Boro, scoring 16 goals.


































