Everton are chasing a new central midfielder to kick off the summer transfer window.
The Telegraph believe Hayden Hackney is wanted by the Toffees before any other transfer business is seriously entertained, with Idrissa Gueye soon to be a free agent when his contract expires at the end of June.
There is – however – competition in the shape of Crystal Palace and Tottenham, so alternatives have been identified.
A Bola in Portugal believe Everton are monitoring Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP – and Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has already given the Denmark international his seal of approval.
How would you feel about Hayden Hackney becoming Everton’s first signing? 🤩
What has Bruno Fernandes said about Morten Hjulmand?
The Portugal international used to play for Sporting CP – where Hjulmand is now captain – and feels he has what it takes to make it in the Premier League.
Speaking to Canal 11 back in December 2025, Fernandes said (via the Mirror): “Morten Hjulmand is a complete player at the moment. He’s a player who adds to the team. He’s intelligent, aggressive, and in the Premier League you need that. In my view, Hjulmand would adapt well here (England).”
A Bola believe Sporting CP are open to selling the 26-year-old this summer, with Atletico Madrid also interested in the man with two years remaining on his contract.
The Portuguese news outlet say a deal could be done for €40m (£35m) – despite the fact there is an €80m (£67m) release clause written into his contract.
That aforementioned report from the Telegraph stated that Middlesbrough could sell Hackney for as little as £10m this summer after missing out on promotion to the Premier League, so the England U21 international obviously represents a cheaper – and also homegrown – option for Everton.
Are there any players from the relegated clubs you want to see Everton go after this summer? 🤔
Wolves, Burnley and West Ham have all lost their Premier League status…
However, a deal for Hjulmand would be just as exciting – albeit a bit more expensive – given what the talented Fernandes has previously said about the Danish stalwart.
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