Everton are assessing the market for a new central midfielder ahead of the fast-approaching summer transfer window.
The Toffees have been linked to several midfielders in recent weeks, with Southampton’s Shea Charles believed to be on David Moyes’ radar.
Charles has been one of the best players in the Championship this term and could be a potential Idrissa Gana Gueye replacement.
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David Moyes, Manager of Everton, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney has also been mooted with a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
However, his potential transfer to Merseyside has just become more costly after a recent development.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images
Everton target Hayden Hackney wins Championship Player of the Season
Hackney was crowned the Championship Player of the Season at the EFL awards ceremony on Sunday night.
Hackney pipped Carl Rushworth, Femi Azeez and Zan Vipotnik to the award. Interestingly, the latter two are being targeted by Everton.
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Swansea striker Zan Vipotnik.
Boro could now demand an even bigger fee than the £30m they reportedly wanted earlier this year.
The former England under-21 international may even command a fee closer to the £40m mark, which is what Archie Gray went for in 2023.
Leeds managed to secure the substantial fee as a Championship club, so that may be the yardstick for Middlesbrough.
If that is the case, perhaps the Toffees are better off looking elsewhere for a more proven Premier League option.
West Ham United talisman Mateus Fernandes is of interest to Moyes and his teammate Tomas Soucek has previously been linked, too.
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly is another option for the Toffees, as he can operate as a left-back and midfielder.
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