Everton in transfer battle with Chelsea to sign England under-21 Euros winner

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Everton will have to sign a long-term successor for Idrissa Gana Gueye this summer transfer window.

Idrissa Gana Gueye’s contract expires at the end of the season, but even if he pens a renewal, Everton can’t afford to rely on the 36-year-old next year.

The Toffees have been drawing up a shortlist of potential targets, with Southampton’s Shea Charles believed to be on David Moyes’ radar.

What would you do with Idrissa Gana Gueye this summer? 😬

He's got a one-year extension clause in his deal…

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Everton are also looking at another highly-rated midfielder who won the under-21 European Championships with England last summer.

Now, it’s just emerged that Chelsea want to sign him too.

• READ MORE: Why Everton could indirectly benefit from Southampton being expelled from play-offs

Everton in transfer battle with Chelsea for Hayden Hackney

It was reported last month that Everton are leading ‘more than half the Premier League’ in the race to sign Hayden Hackney.

Hackney has been linked with a move to Merseyside since last summer, so clearly Moyes is a long-term admirer.

The Middlesbrough midfielder recently won the Championship Player of the Season award, which has seen his stock skyrocket.

Should Everton be making a summer move for Hayden Hackney at a reported £30m?

Perhaps he'd be a good long-term successor to Idrissa Gana Gueye… 🤔

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As a result, the Toffees are facing stiff competition for his signature, and now it’s understood that Chelsea have joined the race.

According to Simon Phillips, Chelsea are tracking Hackney ahead of a potential approach when the window opens on Monday, the 15th of June.

However, it is also claimed that if Xabi Alonso is appointed as their new manager, he will have a big say on transfers.

Either way, the Toffees must move this deal at pace before more of the ‘big six’ start to circle the 23-year-old.

Hackney is exceptional on the ball, so he would be an exciting option to replace Gueye, as Moyes perhaps changes the style to a more possession-based approach.

Ultimately, for Everton to develop into a top-seven side, they will need to be better on the ball next year and take the game to the opposition, especially at home.