Everton can kill two birds with one stone with Hayden Hackney arrival from Middlesbrough

Everton should look to include Harrison Armstrong in any potential deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney in the ongoing transfer window.

The Toffees are reportedly interested in getting a deal over the line for the 23-year-old, who enjoyed a stellar Championship season.

It would make sense for the Blues to bolster their engine room this summer after having to recall their young midfielder in January from his loan spell at Preston North End.

The Hill Dickinson Stadium could possibly make the offer for Hackney more appealing to Boro if they include Armstrong in it.

It would only be a temporary move for the Finch Farm graduate, but he certainly has the ability to fill the void the Middlesbrough ace would leave at the Riverside Stadium to some extent.

Armstrong's prospects look uncertain at the Merseyside outfit, and they would undoubtedly be killing two birds with one stone if they could ensure regular minutes for him in North Yorkshire after Hackney's arrival.

Hackney has mostly operated as a deep-lying playmaker at Middlesbrough, often dropping back to receive balls from the goalkeeper and defenders to push the team forward.

The Englishman usually likes to occupy spaces on the left side of the midfield and create opportunities for his teammates while also actively looking to get into the box if the opportunity arises.

David Moyes has relied on the double-pivot of Idrissa Gueye and James Garner, but the Boro star's arrival would certainly change the way the Blues will have to play.

The Senegal international usually operates as a destroyer in the middle of the park, but with the veteran ace set to become a free agent, Hackney may partner Garner in L3 soon, which could be an exciting and creative partnership to witness.

Former Toffees chief Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 11 June that Everton could soon get a deal done for Hackney for around £20million.

The midfielder will surely be keen to test himself in the Premier League after narrowly missing out on promotion from the Championship, losing to Hull City in the play-offs final.

With Hackney's current contract at the Riverside Stadium expiring in 2027, the Toffees should be confident about their prospects to sign him.