Everton remain in talks for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney and are prepared to pay around £20m, GIVEMESPORT understands.
The Toffees have already seen two bids rejected as Middlesbrough hold out for £25million for their highly-rated midfielder.
Although Everton are considered frontrunners, Crystal Palace are expected to make an offer in the coming days as they try and persuade the 23-year-old to join the Selhurst Park club instead.
Two other teams are also interested in signing Hackney this summer
Hayden Hackney celebrating after scoring for Middlesbrough
Tottenham and Manchester United also have Hackney on their radar, but neither have yet decided to make their move as they prioritise other targets. Both clubs could go head-to-head for Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who is also appreciated by Liverpool and has other English clubs starting to make initial enquiries as well.
GMS understands that Hackney is currently prioritising Everton, but Crystal Palace can also offer him game time and his pathway to regular starts will be made easier if one or both of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada depart.
Middlesbrough wish to keep Hackney, but that has been complicated by their failure to win promotion to the Premier League. The 23-year-old started 38 of Boro's 46 Championship games this season, missing the last eight of the campaign and all but 20 minutes of the play-off final, due to injury.
Everton open talks over new deal for star man
ndiaye
Former Man Utd and Leeds midfielder Godon Strachan said of Hackney: "He's been absolutely brilliant. He takes your breath away when you watch him and he's matured in his play. People will ask if he’s for sale and really, everyone is for sale."
Elsewhere, Everton are in talks with Iliman Ndiaye over a new deal. The France-born Senegal international is already contracted until 2029, but the club wants to offer improved terms.
There has been no breakthrough as of now, but Everton are still in talks and hoping to fend off interest from growing interest, including from Manchester United.
Ndiaye, who has been described as 'one of the most exciting attackers in the Premier League', enjoyed a fine season with the Toffees in the most recent campaign, registering six goals and three assists as they finished in mid-table. It has previously been reported that Old Trafford would be his 'dream move'.
Hill Dickinson Stadium Related
Everton Ordered to Pay English Club £40 Million After Losing Legal Battle
The Toffees' legal issues with the Premier League have not let up since their 10-point deduction in 2023.