Everton could be made to rue their rejected bids for Hayden Hackney as Crystal Palace enter the frame.
David Moyes’ side looked set to make their first signing of the summer in the form of the Middlesbrough midfielder.
Hackney gave Everton his priority after being impressed by the presentation from CEO Angus Kinnear.
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However, Everton’s inability to strike a deal with Boro could be set to bite them as Palace ready their bid for the midfielder.
Everton set for Crystal Palace competition over Hayden Hackney
Boro have knocked back two Everton bids for Hackney following positive talks with the player and his camp.
The Championship side have set their stall out as they value Hackney in excess of £20m.
A fresh report from the Daily Mail could now change everything for Everton as it is claimed that Palace are ready to lodge their own bid.
If you were Angus Kinnear who would you be going all out for this summer? 💰
Palace’s offer is expected to be in the £20m region, which would still land short of what Boro are demanding for the 23-year-old.
This would trump the proposal sent by Everton and also provide Hackney with the opportunity of playing in Europe next season.
Everton’s hopes of landing a bargain with Hackney could be set to cost them the signing of the midfielder.
It is believed that Everton are also monitoring Shea Charles as a potential alternative to Hackney, but the message that missing out on the Boro midfielder would send would not be a positive one.
The 2025/26 season ended in frustrating fashion, which meant a strong start to the summer was needed to provide fans with some enthusiasm.
Potentially losing out on a player who has given Everton his priority would be a terrible look for the club and only frustrate supporters further.
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