Hayden Hackney in action for Middlesbrough with Hill Dickinson in the background, David Moyes on the right and a clock between the pair
Hayden Hackney in action for Middlesbrough with Hill Dickinson in the background, David Moyes on the right and a clock between the pair
Everton have identified Hayden Hackney as their top transfer target this summer, but they could face issues if they continue stalling.
Negotiations are underway for the midfielder, with the Toffees opening offer worth up to £18million rebuffed, with the Teesiders hoping for more than £20m.
Hackney proved to be a difference maker for Middlesbrough despite a failure to get promotion.
The Englishman is appreciated by a number of high profile Premier League sides and that could be where Everton run into issues.
The longer a deal takes to get over the line, the higher the chance Hackney's mind could change and a hijack happens.
And if that is the case, the Toffees' other targets for that position may already be out of sight.
Which of Everton's targets could be out of sight?
A central midfielder is a priority for David Moyes and while Hackney is target number one, he is not the only name on the list.
The Blues have been linked with numerous stars in that role, and fellow EFL player Shea Charles is one of those.
Like Hackney, Charles played a key role in Southampton's promotion push, but failure to get over the final hurdle, albeit through the consequences of "Spygate" have meant he could be snapped up.
However, even if Everton turned their attentions to Charles in the event they could not agree a package for Hackney, it may already be too late.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Leeds United are moving forward with their interest in the 22-year-old Northern Irishman.
So, if the Toffees are not careful, and do not quickly wrap the transfer for Hackney up, they could be left in quite the spot of bother.
Their plan B option of Charles may already have secured a move elsewhere.
What is holding up the Hackney transfer?
While there is a difference in transfer value, the structure of the deal is also seemingly holding things up on an Everton end.
The Blues' opening offer, while worth £18m, was only offering Boro £11m up front with the rest coming in add-ons.
The EFL side are looking for an up front fee of £20m, with the potential for add-ons to be included.
Overall, the two sides are still quite far apart in valuation and how they want a deal to be structured.
However, it is expected that the L3 outfit will move forward with sending a second offer for the Boro ace.