Everton Advance Talks for Hayden Hackney
Everton are progressing on a deal to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The Blues have made the Championship's Player of the Season one of their top summer transfer targets. The ECHO understands that talks between the clubs progressed over the weekend, and a new report from John Percy in The Telegraph today (Monday) claims that negotiations could be finalised this week.
Hackney's Preference Puts Everton in Pole Position
Hackney is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs, but his desire to move to Hill Dickinson Stadium has put Everton into pole position for his signature. Middlesbrough, aware of interest from other top-flight outfits, have been holding firm to the idea of keeping the Academy graduate if their valuation for him is not met, despite the fact he is entering the final year of his contract. However, dialogue between Boro and the Blues has continued, and they now appear close to a breakthrough.
£25m Fee and Add-Ons
The Telegraph claims Everton will pay a total of £25m for the 23-year-old, a fee that is likely to be inclusive of significant add-ons. Hackney was in outstanding form last season for his boyhood club, who suffered heartbreak when they lost the Championship play-off final to Hull City.
Impact on Everton's Midfield
Should Hackney sign for the Blues, he would become their second midfield addition of the summer after the club triggered the £18m clause to make Merlin Rohl's move permanent. It would leave manager David Moyes with plenty of options for three positions in the centre of the park, given he already has James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tim Iroegbunam, Carlos Alcaraz and Harrison Armstrong at his disposal. It remains to be seen whether another midfielder, Idrissa Gueye, will still be at the club next season. The veteran, whose contract expires tomorrow (Tuesday), is currently representing Senegal at the World Cup alongside Everton team-mate Iliman Ndiaye. There is interest in Iroegbunam from promoted duo Hull and Ipswich Town, while Alcaraz has been linked with River Plate.
