Everton are in pole position to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
Hackney is being targeted by a host of Premier League clubs after winning the Championship’s Player of the Year in his side’s eventual run to the play-off final.
But the Teessiders’ failure to win promotion back to the top flight after losing to Hull City at Wembley coupled with his expiring deal has made his departure a likelihood.
Manchester United, are in the hunt alongside Tottenham and Crystal Palace as the 23-year-old enters the final year of his existing contract at the Riverside Stadium.
Despite the Old Trafford club holding an edge with ex-Boro boss Michael Carrick, David Moyes’ side are understood to be the player’s current preferred destination.
Hackney was sidelined for the final two months of the campaign by a groin injury but returned to make a cameo appearance in last month’s play-off final defeat to Hull.
His proven quality Means a clean bill of health, and will have fans and football betting odds alike, expecting better performances and more goals once the new season gets underway.
The Blues are aiming to strengthen as quickly as possible this summer after a slow start to last year’s window saw most deals only finalised ahead of the opening day.