Everton interested in £15m Hayden Hackney but face stiff competition

• 23-year-old expected to leave Middlesbrough this month

• Brighton, Spurs, Forest and Leeds also interested

Everton are attempting to sign the Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney but face strong competition for the Championship’s player of the season.

David Moyes wants to strengthen in central midfield, as well as at right-back, and has reignited interest in a player he considered 12 months ago.