Hayden Hackney playing for Everton
Hayden Hackney playing for Everton
Hayden Hackney could be forced out of Everton before he's even been given a true chance.
There was plenty of excitement surrounding the Middlesborough star when he moved to Merseyside.
Coming off the back of a Championship Player of the Year campaign, that was no surprise.
He had scored six and assisted seven from the middle of the park at the Riverside to secure the award.
That hasn't translated to a regular role under David Moyes as he has been limited to just one Premier League start.
Things could soon get worse for Hackney as the January window could pose a problem for his chances.
Everton could replace Hayden Hackney already
It has been a surprise that the 24-year-old has been afforded so few minutes this season.
That isn't due to a lack of output, as he already has three goal involvements to his name in all competitions.
Other options have been favoured, and a fresh face could soon leapfrog him in the pecking order.
That comes after Fussball News reported that Everton are interested in signing Jack Rudoni from Coventry City.
His contract situation has caught the eye of the Toffees, with his current deal only running until 2028.
That could open the door to an exit as early as January should the Sky Blues look to cash in on the highest possible fee.
Should Everton win the race for Rudoni in the near future, that would likely spell bad news for Hackney.
Does Hackney have a future at Everton?
The two English midfielders are different in their approach, but want to do similar things.
They both have an eye for creating and scoring goals, something which Rudoni has managed to do four times since promotion to the Premier League.
He has been afforded more chances in the top flight and would be keen to follow that pattern if he did move to Merseyside.
It would make sense, if he came in, for Hackney to assess his options elsewhere.
He only signed for Everton in the summer for around £16million, but may not be happy if the Coventry man was signed.
That could leave him to assess his own options, and he couldn't be blamed for doing that.
It hasn't been a dream start for Hackney, and it might get worse sooner than it gets better.