---
title: "David Ornstein’s latest transfer update is a massive blow for Newcastle United"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2026/06/02/david-ornstein-transfer-update-newcastle-united-hayden-hackney-everton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Newcastle United News"
published: "2026-06-02T10:10:43Z"
modified: "2026-06-02T10:10:48Z"
---

# David Ornstein’s latest transfer update is a massive blow for Newcastle United

- David Ornstein says Hayden Hackney likely to join Everton
- Middlesbrough midfielder previously linked with Newcastle United
- Hackney could be ideal Sandro Tonali heir

* * *

**Newcastle United are reeling from Anthony Gordon’s departure, with the England international recently sealing a surprise move to Barcelona.**

And now, David Ornstein has provided a transfer update on Hayden Hackney, who has keen admirers at the club.

The Magpies are likely to sign a midfielder or two in the transfer window, especially with Sandro Tonali linked with a potential transfer.

That said, if Hackney is the chosen one, they may have to move quickly as the exciting midfielder has other suitors in the Premier League.

## Everton favourites to land Hayden Hackney

Earlier this summer, [Hackney was linked with a move to Newcastle United](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/05/20/newcastle-united-hijack-man-utd-hackney-transfer-football/) after his strong performances for Middlesbrough in the Championship.

The 23-year-old has been a household name in the second tier of English football for a while now and is expected to move on to greener pastures this summer.

And now, Ornstein reports that Everton are leading the chase for Hackney, with Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Manchester United also mentioned as potential suitors.

> 🚨 Everton currently lead race to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. Coveted midfielder favours [#EFC](https://x.com/hashtag/EFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) & if preference confirmed, club talks will follow. [#THFC](https://x.com/hashtag/THFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) + [#CPFC](https://x.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) also high among contenders. [#MUFC](https://x.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) like 23yo but not expected to pursue [@TheAthleticFC](https://x.com/TheAthleticFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [https://t.co/4zUeH40c3C](https://t.co/4zUeH40c3C)
>
> — David Ornstein (@David\_Ornstein) [June 2, 2026](https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/2061702076086857804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The Toffees are leading the race to secure his signature. The interesting aspect of Ornstein’s report is that Newcastle haven’t even been mentioned despite being linked with the player earlier in the summer.

Whether or not they’ve dropped their interest or simply decided to look elsewhere, however, remains to be seen.

## Hackney could be a big miss for Newcastle United

In recent years, the likes of Archie Gray and Alex Scott have successfully stepped up from Championship football to become key players in the Premier League.

And Hackney looks like he’s headed on the same trajectory, so this could be a big blow for Newcastle United.

> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚖️ Across all leagues, no midfielder has more touches, short passes, or progressive carries than Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough, 23)\
> \
> ◉ 99th percentile for progressive carries\
> ◉ 98th percentile for forward passes\
> ◉ 93rd percentile for progressive passes\
> ◉ 88th percentile for… [pic.twitter.com/DbCRCh0ert](https://t.co/DbCRCh0ert)
>
> — DataMB (@DataMB\_) [March 18, 2026](https://x.com/DataMB_/status/2034293761811878019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The likes of Tonali and Joe Willock have been linked with departure, so their engine room could do well with a reinforcement or two.

**Read More:** [Inner workings of Gordon deal show Newcastle United power dynamic has shifted](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/06/02/anthony-gordon-deal-newcastle-united-power-dynamic-shifted-eddie-howe/)

Hackney is capable of playing anywhere in midfield and his addition would give Eddie Howe another versatile option to work with.

He was named the EFL Championship Player of the Season and also voted Middlesbrough’s Player of the Season for his outstanding exploits in their promotion push.

However, with Everton now leading the race to sign him, the Magpies will have to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield options.

​