Everton have until the transfer deadline to bring in some reinforcements
Everton were beaten 1-0 away at Leeds United in their first game of the new Premier League season. Their opponents were awarded a soft penalty at Elland Road. David Moyes’ side were left fuming after their game in West Yorkshire.
The Toffees need to bring in some signings before the end of the window. They looked short in a few different areas agaisnt Daniel Farke’s men. The Merseyside outfit have until the deadline on Monday 1st September to get some bodies through the door.
Everton eye Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney
According to Sky Sports, Everton hold a long-term interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. He would be a shrewd signing by the Toffees if they were able to get him. Boro are expected to face a battle to keep hold of him amid attention from elsewhere.
Hackney, 23, is still young and has potential to get better in the future. He would give Moyes more competition and depth in the middle of the park and would be a useful long-term option at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. In addition, he has proved himself in the Championship now and needs to test himself at the top level as soon as possible.
The ex-England youth international has been on the books at the Riverside Stadium for his whole career to date. He has risen up through the academy ranks of his current club and was a regular for them at various different youuth levels. He was loaned out to Scunthorpe United back in 2021 to get some experience under his belt and boost his development.
Hackney has since become a key player for Boro over recent years and is one of their most prized assets. He has made 114 appearances in all competitions and has scored 10 goals, five of which came in the last campaign. However, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to retain his services.
Everton should offer Middlesbrough swap deal
Everton may need to think outside the box in this particular transfer pursuit. They should offer Middlesbrough a player in return for Hackney. Step forward Harrison Armstrong, who would benefit from another loan spell away.
Armstrong, 18, was on the bench at Leeds last time out but didn’t get on. He has featured a few times over pre-season and is highly-rated by Moyes. The teenager is still so young though and isn’t expected to get too much game time.
Therefore, letting him head out the exit door again on a temporary basis would suit all parties involved. He was given the green light to link up with Derby County last winter and he went on to play 15 matches for the Rams altogether, finding the net on one occasions. The prospect helped John Eustace’s side avoid relegation to League One.
Armstrong would be a coup for Middlesbrough and would help fill the void if Hackney left. Boro turned to former Luton Town man Rob Edwards as their replacement for Michael Carrick. They won 3-0 away at Millwall last time out.
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