Middlesbrough are maintaining their stance on Hayden Hackney, sticking to their valuation of the 23-year-old midfielder as Everton pursue a deal. The Championship Player of the Season has indicated a preference for a move to Merseyside, putting Everton in pole position for the England youth international. However, Boro, aware of interest from other Premier League clubs, are holding firm on keeping Hackney if their valuation is not met, as reported by Teesside Live.
While this is the club's public position, it could become increasingly difficult to maintain as the summer progresses. The stance represents a significant gamble, as it could mean losing Hackney on a free transfer next summer. Central midfield is a key area Everton want to strengthen, and the club has other potential targets, but there remains a desire to pursue Hackney if the terms represent value.
Merlin Rohl Credits Leighton Baines Friendship for Settling In
Everton's first piece of summer business was confirmed months ago when the club's Premier League status triggered the obligation to make Merlin Rohl's loan move from Freiburg permanent for a fee of around £18 million. The 24-year-old midfielder spoke at length about his first season at Everton, describing it as the “perfect” place for his development.
One key factor in his settling in has been his blossoming relationship with assistant manager Leighton Baines. The pair share a love of photography, and their friendship has extended beyond Finch Farm, including visits to Goodison Park to watch Everton Women. Rohl said: “Leighton has been amazing. We have a lot in common, and he’s helped me feel at home both on and off the pitch.”
Zohran Mamdani Knows the Pain of Everton’s Wait for Success
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani showed mutual respect for Andy Burnham during a BBC interview. Mamdani, a known Arsenal supporter, also celebrated the New York Knicks ending their 53-year wait for an NBA Championship this month. After discussing the skills needed to transition from regional mayor to Prime Minister, Mamdani referenced his Everton backing: “I wish him well, I don’t think he’s an Arsenal supporter though. [As an Everton supporter] At least you can respect that someone has suffered, you know? I like it when I meet someone who is a fan of a team that hasn’t just won and won and won.”
Three Blues Regimes Represented at Scotland v Brazil
David Moyes, like much of the footballing world, is in the US for the World Cup. He was one of three different Everton regimes represented at Scotland’s match with Brazil on Tuesday. Moyes was in the stands, while his former Everton assistant Alan Irvine was in the Scotland dugout alongside ex-Blue Steven Naismith. In the opposite dugout was former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti, supported by his son Davide, who also assisted him at Everton. Davide will visit Hill Dickinson Stadium with Lille at the end of the summer. Also assisting Brazil was Paul Clement, who was Frank Lampard’s assistant during his Everton stint.
Everton to Help Boost Apprenticeship Offering
Everton plan to support local businesses offering apprenticeships by providing financial support from the club’s apprenticeship levy. The funds are used for apprenticeships within the club and to support Everton in the Community and the People’s Learning Trust. Some funds will now be allocated to local employers who want to offer opportunities but cannot cover training costs.
Alison Haynes, chief tax and sustainability officer at Everton, said: “This is a great opportunity for local employers who want to provide employment and skills development opportunities but cannot afford the cost of training. This initiative is a fundamental part of our work to reduce inequalities and promote inclusion, with social mobility playing a key role. By supporting employers to invest in training, we can help more local people access sustainable employment while addressing skills needs across the region. We want to extend this initiative to more employers across the region who have exciting opportunities available and who share our values. We would encourage any employer interested in developing local talent and creating inclusive opportunities to get in touch and find out more.”
