Everton are still working on a deal to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.
Talks have quietened down recently as Middlesbrough hold out for £20m – a lofty valuation for a player who becomes a free agent next summer as things stand.
Hackney wants to join Everton – although Middlesbrough could well be holding out in hope of a bidding war commencing, with Crystal Palace also keen on the England U21 international.
However, the UEFA Conference League winners have now made a transfer decision which may suggest Hackney himself has told the Eagles to give up hope of securing his signature.
How would you feel about Hayden Hackney becoming Everton’s first signing? 🤩
Crystal Palace now working on deal for Arne Engels
Sacha Tavolieri claims that Crystal Palace are now trying to convince a different centre-midfielder in Arne Engels to move to Selhurst Park from Celtic.
It is a brand new development for the south Londoners and comes after several outlets said they would push for Hackney – suggesting the Middlesbrough No.7 has possibly told Crystal Palace he only wants Everton.
Reports stated that Tottenham are also keen to sign the 23-year-old from Middlesbrough.
However – in what could be described as another positive for Everton – Spurs have suddenly started to target Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italy international is keen on the move after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign with the Magpies, and given how expensive that deal could prove to be, it feels unlikely Tottenham would take both Tonali and Hackney.
The fact Everton’s two rivals for Hackney are now seemingly looking elsewhere feels highly positive for the Toffees.
Now, The Friedkin Group just need to ensure they strike an agreement with Middlesbrough before another club comes barging in.
Everton need a transfer budget of at least _________ this summer
Fill in the blank…
At this moment in time – with all of the above taken into consideration – it would be quite embarrassing if Everton fail to wrap up a deal for Hackney.
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