Abdulhafiz TeslimEverton may no longer be leading the race to sign Hayden Hackney.
The Blues were among the first clubs to make an approach for the Middlesbrough midfielder, but growing competition could complicate their pursuit.
According to the Daily Mail, Everton have already submitted two bids worth around £12 million and £15 million respectively, with both offers rejected by Middlesbrough.
Crystal Palace are now reportedly preparing a £20 million bid of their own, increasing the pressure on Everton as they look to secure one of their top midfield targets.
While Palace’s proposed offer would still fall short of Middlesbrough’s reported £25 million valuation, the Eagles could attract Hackney with the prospect of European football.
Everton remain the midfielder’s preferred destination, but David Moyes and The Friedkin Group may need to accelerate negotiations if they are serious about getting a deal over the line.
Hackney was one of the Championship’s standout performers last season and earned a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season. If Everton view him as the ideal addition to their midfield, they cannot afford to allow negotiations to drag on while rivals circle.
Missing out on a priority target to a Premier League rival would be a disappointing outcome, particularly if Hackney goes on to flourish elsewhere. The coming weeks could prove to be a significant test of Everton’s ambition in the transfer market.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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