Everton fan Mark Staniford says there is "lots to like" about the Toffees signing of Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney for the "relatively inexpensive" price of around £16m,

Hackney made 154 appearances for Boro, scoring 16 goals, and won the 2025-26 Championship player of the season as he helped his side reach the play-off final, which they lost 1-0 to Hull City.

"Some early business which is good and not like us at all," Staniford told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"The lad has come for a relatively inexpensive price. He ripped up the Championship last season and was voted the best player.

"I'm not sure if he was a priority or more the timing where we thought, 'he's available we can get him in.' With the rumours Idrissa Gueye isn't signing a new deal, we're losing an experienced head in midfield.

"Hackney is bright, he's a young prospect, he can score goals, he can put his foot in. Lots to like about the signing.

"In the scheme of things it's not a huge amount of money which is also a positive."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds