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Everton have revived talks to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The 23-year-old was voted Middlesbrough’s player of the year and the Championship’s player of the season and has had interest from Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and, to a lesser degree, Manchester United.
However, it is understood Hackney is keen on linking up with David Moyes, a long-term admirer, because he believes he has a greater chance of first team football.
Hackney plays as a deep-lying playmaker and Moyes wants his team to continue progressing as a possession-based team.
Idrissa Gana Gueye is now 36 and discussing his next step while the club have also fielded enquiries for Tim Iroegbunam.
Forest had an approach for Hackney dismissed in January, while the player turned down Ipswich last summer.
Everton have reignited their interest in Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney – who is keen to join
The England U21 international missed Boro’s Championship play-off semi-finals against Southampton because of injury but came off the bench in the final defeat to Hull. He has one year left on contract but wants to test himself in the Premier League.
Moyes wants to add competition at full-back and striker while also exploring options for another winger.
There remains a chance of a new deal for Manchester City’s Jack Grealish but the scale of financial compromise required means it is still a difficult one to conclude.
Meanwhile, Everton U21s coach Paul Tait is leaving his role at the club.
