Everton are on the verge of completing a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, with the 24-year-old set to become the club's first summer signing.

Hackney was a key figure in Middlesbrough's push for promotion to the Premier League this past season, though their campaign ended in heartbreak when they fell to Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley last month.

The fee is still being finalised, but sources indicate the deal will be worth at least £16 million. Hackney has one year remaining on his contract at Middlesbrough, giving the club cause to negotiate a transfer this window.

A product of the Boro academy, Hackney was born in Redcar and joined the club's youth setup at the under-10 level — making his eventual departure a bittersweet moment for supporters on Teesside.

Crystal Palace had also registered interest in the midfielder, but it is understood that Hackney was drawn to the opportunity of working under Everton manager David Moyes, making the Toffees his preferred destination.