Everton are going to have to be quick in the market if they are to land Hayden Hackney.
Ahead of the window opening, it is understood that Everton are interested in Hackney as his future on Teesside remains uncertain.
Middlesbrough face a route through the play-offs if they are to earn promotion to the Premier League, which could ultimately decide the midfielder’s future.
The 23-year-old is in high demand this summer and Crystal Palace are looking set to rival Everton in the race for his signature.
Everton could need Europe to beat Crystal Palace to Hayden Hackney
Frank Lampard is also keen to sign Hackney for Coventry City following their promotion to the top flight.
Competition for the midfielder is growing, with The Telegraph claiming Crystal Palace have now made Hackney their top target for the summer.
A bid in the region of £12m is expected from the Eagles.
Everton travel to Selhurst Park this Sunday, where the Toffees will require three points if they are to keep their dreams of European qualification alive.
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace could open up more European spots for the Premier League after they reached the Europa League and Europa Conference League finals, respectively.
The issue would then be that Palace could offer Europa League football next season, if they were to win their final.
Perhaps the opportunity to remain in the north would appeal to Hackney, but Palace may be able to offer a strong package with European backing.
These final three games are becoming monumental for Everton, with European qualification potentially able to transform their summer plans.
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