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.
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.