What The Papers Say - 2 June

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

FourFourTwo reports that Everton are interested in Middlesborough's young midfielder Hayden Hackney.

"Everton have reportedly made a play to hijack a deal for the highly-rated midfielder," claims Joe Donnohue.

"A report from the The Athletic indicates that the Merseysiders have stolen a march on their top-flight rivals, positioning themselves at the front of the race for Hackney's signature.

"Securing the Middlesbrough skipper will require fending off competition from across the Premier League. The 23-year-old’s reputation has skyrocketed over the past year, culminating in him being named Championship Player of the Season.

"That standout individual campaign has inevitably triggered top-flight scouting missions, with London pair Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace both credited with a long-standing interest in the England Under-21 international.

"Middlesbrough’s promotion ambitions were dashed by a painful defeat to Hull City in the Championship play-off final, rendering Hackney’s departure a near certainty.

"With the midfielder entering the final 12 months of his contract, the Boro hierarchy likely realise this window is their final opportunity to command a sizeable fee."

Elsewhere, the BBC focuses on Bob Lennon, who retired last week after nearly four decades as Everton's head groundsman.

The 66-year-old finished his last shift on Saturday after 38 years preparing the pitches at the Toffees' Bellefield training ground and the historic Goodison Park – where the men's first team played until their move to Hill Dickinson Stadium a year ago.