Everton need to come alive in the transfer market after a woeful end to the 2025/26 campaign.
Reinforcements are needed in several areas after the Toffees went seven games without a win to end last season in truly miserable fashion.
Talks with Middlesbrough over a deal for Hayden Hackney are so far proving to be unproductive – despite the England U21 international wanting to sign for Everton.
There is an alternative midfield target for David Moyes in Shea Charles – although TEAMtalk believe Leeds are in pole position to sign the Southampton star.
How would you feel about Hayden Hackney becoming Everton’s first signing? 🤩
Everton likely to miss out on Shea Charles to Leeds
TEAMtalk now state that Leeds are frontrunners to sign the Northern Ireland international, and sense they can get a ‘bargain’ considering the central midfielder only has 12 months remaining on his contract.
The Daily Mail add that Leeds are already preparing a bid for the former Manchester City player.
Southampton are looking for a sum of £20m to sell Charles after missing out on promotion to the Premier League.
It is said that Everton have closely monitored the 22-year-old across the past 12 months as the Toffees search for a new option in midfield, but have chosen to pursue Hackney as the priority.
However, Crystal Palace are also keen and can offer the Middlesbrough No.7 UEFA Europa League football next season, so there is a real chance Everton miss out on both Hackney and Charles unless The Friedkin Group step up recruitment plans.
Finding a new central midfielder is imperative even if Idrissa Gueye signs a new contract. The Senegal international turns 37 in November and can no longer be expected to start on a weekly basis in the Premier League – arguably the toughest division on the planet.
What would you do with Idrissa Gana Gueye this summer? 😬
He's got a one-year extension clause in his deal…
Tim Iroegbunam and Harrison Armstrong have shown glimpses of their ability and could step up, although a new face to freshen up the midfield department wouldn’t go amiss after that terrible end to last season.
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