Everton are reportedly in the running to sign Hayden Hackney. The 23-year-old midfielder has impressed in the Championship with Middlesbrough, attracting attention from Premier League clubs.
Palace Lead the Chase for Hackney
Crystal Palace have reportedly made Hackney their number one target for the summer transfer window. According to a report, the South London side view him as a player who could strengthen their midfield. £12million bids are expected when the market reopens.
Everton Must Act Quickly
Everton need to act quickly to secure Hackney’s signature, as there is significant interest in him. Besides Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Wolves have also previously tried to purchase him.
The supposed £12 million fee, with his contract expiring in one year’s team, represents a real bargain for whoever picks him up.
Could Goodison Park Be Hackney’s Next Destination?
Everton may be in the best position to sign Hackney, potentially convincing him to come to Merseyside. Crystal Palace may have Europa League football next season, if they win the Conference League title, but they are set for chaos in the summer, with Oliver Glasner leaving his post.
Ipswich would be a strange choice, as they may well go right back down to the second tier, if their recruitment is not perfect.
Wolves will be in the division that he currently plays in, so they are surely out of the race for his signature.
David Moyes‘ side can offer a stable top-flight environment and still have a chance of qualifying for Europe at the end of the season.
They also should have an opening in midfield in the coming months, as Idrissa Gueye is getting older and Moyes does not fully trust the likes of Merlin Rohl and Tim Iroegbunam.
That leaves a gap in the side that Hackney could come straight in and plug, and the chance for regular first-team football could be a bargaining chip for the Blues.
With such a low fee, with his contract expiring in one year’s team, the supposed fee represents a real bargain for whoever picks him up.