Everton have renewed their interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, with manager David Moyes placing the 23-year-old among his primary targets as he looks to strengthen the club's midfield this summer.

Hackney, a product of the Middlesbrough academy, faces an uncertain future at the Riverside Stadium following the club's failure to win promotion to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs. He missed both semi-final legs against Southampton through injury but came off the bench in the final, which Middlesbrough lost to Hull.

Across 38 Championship appearances last season, Hackney recorded five goals and 38 assists — a return that has attracted widespread attention from clubs across the top flight.

A crowded field of admirers

Everton are not alone in their pursuit. Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have both monitored Hackney extensively, while Forest had an approach rejected in January. Brentford are also understood to be keen. The player himself turned down a move to Ipswich last summer.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast, Gary Weaver suggested Middlesbrough have accepted that Hackney's departure is inevitable: "I'd be surprised if Hayden Hackney is still at Middlesbrough by September. Brentford like him a lot. Everton like him. Forest and Ipswich both made bids last season. I think Middlesbrough are resigned to the fact he will probably go. He's been a fantastic Championship player this season. Even in that brief cameo in the final you saw how opposition teams react to him."

Premier League ready?

Fellow pundit Andy Hinchcliffe believes Hackney already possesses the qualities to thrive at the highest level. "The first time I saw Hackney play I noticed he was a ball carrier who keeps his head up. That's a Premier League trait. He understands what's going on around him," Hinchcliffe said.

Hinchcliffe also revealed that Manchester United's name has been floated in connection with the midfielder. "I've even heard Manchester United mentioned. That might sound ambitious but they are looking at younger talented players and Hackney fits the bill. Training with elite midfielders can elevate a player massively."

However, Hinchcliffe cautioned that Hackney's loyalty to Middlesbrough could influence his decision-making if only mid-table Premier League offers materialise. "If the offers are from mid-table Premier League clubs he may think long and hard because he clearly cares about Middlesbrough. But it feels like only a matter of time before he moves to the Premier League."