What The Papers Say - 3 June

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

Reports of Everton's interest in Middlesborough's Hayden Hackney continue, with Sky Sports speculating Merseyside could be the youngster's preferred destination.

The outlet writes: "Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney could be set for a summer departure from the Riverside Stadium after their failure to seal promotion to the Premier League; The 23-year-old is a Boro academy graduate.

"Hackney has been on David Moyes' radar for a new midfielder for some time.

"Everton are keen to bolster that position this summer and Hackney is high among the names they are considering making a bid for.

"Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have also monitored the England U21 extensively.

"Forest had an approach for him knocked back in January, while the player turned down Ipswich last summer.

"He missed Boro's Championship play-off semi-finals against Southampton because of injury but came off the bench in the final defeat to Hull."

Elsewhere, the Super League focuses on Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of Rugby League's Magic Weekend.

Players and representatives from all 12 English clubs visited the iconic waterfront venue on Tuesday ahead of the exciting event.

Some also headed into Liverpool city centre to visit The Cavern Club, The Beatles statue and Albert Dock – famous sights which thousands of fans might also take in when Super League’s big bonanza arrives in a few weeks’ time.

The outlet writes: "More than 75,000 tickets have been sold, already making it the biggest Magic in the event’s 20-year history ahead of its first outing at Everton. 

"Thursday marks just one month to go and Wigan Warriors loose forward Ollie Partington, fresh from winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley on Saturday, said: “It’s been great to get out there and see the pitch first-hand. 

“I’m looking forward to Magic. It will be incredible to see so many Wigan fans filling out these stands. 

“I’m actually a Liverpool fan! But this is amazing. It’s really impressive.” 

Wigan face fierce rivals St Helens as they round off Magic on the Sunday. 

Saints' Aussie playmaker Jackson Hastings added: “I'm an Everton fan, and as a Everton supporter, it’ll be a special occasion to play at our new home ground. 

“I’ve played Magic before at St James’ Park and in Liverpool at Anfield - but nothing will top playing here for me.”