Everton are in the market for a midfielder this summer transfer window.
David Moyes is exploring a deal to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus, with the former Aston Villa midfielder expected to leave for around £34m this window.
Everton fans would love Luiz and believe his potential signing would be a huge upgrade on the current options they have.
Benfica’s Florentino Luis is also on Moyes’ radar and he’s been dubbed the ‘next N’Golo Kante’, which evinces his style of play.
However, now it’s just emerged that Everton are looking at a Championship star who’s well known for his passing ability.
Middlesbrough FC midfielder Hayden Hackney.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Everton ‘making checks’ on Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney
Moyes has made it no secret that he’ll be looking to recruit from the Championship this summer.
“We continue to look closer to home, which is the Championship,” Moyes explained back in January.
“Last year, the Championship produced some incredible players like (Morgan) Rogers, (Adam) Wharton, (Jaden) Philogene possibly. The Championship is always a place we should be looking to see.”
MORE EVERTON STORIES
That said, according to Sky Sports, Moyes and his Everton chiefs are now ‘making checks’ on Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
The Toffees have been making enquiries about his price and availability after another standout season with Boro and England’s under-21s.
Hackney is believed to be valued at around £20m.
Hackney’s impressive underlying data
According to FBref data, Hackney ranks in the top one per cent in Europe for progressive passes per 90 compared to his positional peers.
The 23-year-old also sits in the top three per cent for progressive carries, evincing his terrific dribbling ability, too.
His defensive numbers could be improved, however, that’s not really his game as he likes to get on the ball and dictate games as the metronome.
So partnered next to Idrissa Gana Gueye, they could form a really great duo in the middle of the park and one that’d give Moyes’ side much more control than last term.
Manchester United have been heavily linked to Hackney, so there is stiff competition for his signature.