View: Everton may have been given transfer answer on Championship star after announcement today
David Moyes’ winter transfer wishes are yet to be granted.
It’s been no secret that Everton have been trying to sign a striker this winter, as Moyes looks to bolster his forward line.
However as of yet, no new centre-forward has arrived, but Everton remain hopeful of doing a deal for Youssef En-Nesyri before the 2 February deadline.
Everton have also been linked to Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez, with Moyes also keen to strengthen at the right-back position this winter.
But, with just days remaining until the window slams shut, Everton are still yet to make any signings, leaving many Toffees supporters highly frustrated.
Middlesbrough announcement sends Everton clear transfer message
Everton will also be thinking about strengthening in central midfield in the near future too, as they could be set for some major changes in that department over the coming months.
Idrissa Gueye is now 36, and is only contracted at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until the end of this season, although Everton do have the option to trigger a 12-month extension.
Merlin Rohl is 23 and still adapting to life in English football, but is yet to carve out a starting role in Moyes’ side.
Meanwhile, James Garner has been strongly linked with a move away from Everton this winter, with his standout performances putting him on the radar of some top clubs such as Man United.
That leaves just Tim Iroegbunam and Harrison Armstrong as Moyes’ only other central midfield options, but neither of those two are yet to truly prove themselves over an extended period of time at Premier League level.
Therefore, a central midfielder is surely on the transfer agenda, and Everton have long held an interest in Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
It’s reported that Boro would only consider a “staggering” offer to sell Hackney this winter, as Kim Hellberg’s side are currently five points clear of third-placed Ipswich Town in the Championship.
And, any lingering Everton hopes of signing the 23-year-old central midfielder this winter may have been finally extinguished thanks to an announcement made by the Teessiders on Wednesday.
Confirmed via Middlesbrough’s official club website, Hackney alongside Hellberg and Tommy Conway will be in attendance for a roadshow fan event on 11 February.
As such, that surely confirms that Middlesbrough are keeping hold of Hackney this winter, as otherwise he nor the club would commit to attending such an event.
Everton could sign Hackney in the summer if things go their way
Hackney is Middlesbrough through and through, as he’s a boyhood Boro fan and product of their widely-respected academy system.
However, what he isn’t is contracted to the Smoggies forever, as his current deal expires in June 2027, meaning he’ll have just 12 months to run on his deal this summer.
That could be Everton’s golden ticket to a deal for him, as if Middlesbrough don’t get promoted to the Premier League this season, then Boro may be forced to cash in.
Hackney has proven that he’s a cut above at Championship level now, and probably is only still a Middlesbrough player due to his love for the club, but his personal ambition may take centre stage at some point.
So, if Everton are still keen to secure his services eventually, then they should be selfishly crossing their fingers Boro don’t win promotion this season, as he may well feel inclined to sign a new deal there if he helps take them to the top flight.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.
The post View: Everton may have been given transfer answer on Championship star after announcement today appeared first on Goodison News.
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