Everton are facing serious competition from Ipswich Town in their pursuit to sign a Championship star.
David Moyes has admitted Everton are struggling this summer transfer window, with many of their top targets not very keen on joining.
Moyes explained that Everton are targeting top players, but without European football, it’s difficult to compete with rival suitors.
The Scotsman added that the Championship is a market they will continue to explore, and those deals should be a lot easier to complete.
With that said, there has now been a development on one of their rumoured second-tier targets.
Ipswich Town bid £20m for Everton target Hayden Hackney
Everton are in the market for a central midfielder this summer, with Douglas Luiz believed to be on Moyes’ radar.
The Toffees are also eyeing Hayden Hackney after another impressive season in the Championship with Ipswich Town.
Middlesbrough are expecting Hackney to leave, with the England under-21 international valued at in excess of £20m.
But, according to Alan Nixon, it’s Ipswich Town who have moved first, as they’re offering £20m for the 21-year-old.
That would be a Championship record deal, and it’s also being reported that Kieran McKenna’s side are willing to pay Hackney a whopping £35,000-a-week.
Everton still hold the advantage in Hackney race
There is still some hope for Everton, despite Ipswich’s concrete advances.
That’s because there is an understanding that Hackney wants to join a Premier League club this summer and isn’t convinced by a move to Portman Road.
So, with that said, it’s become pretty evident that if Everton were to match Ipswich’s bid, they’d likely be able to land the midfielder’s signature.
Hackney’s potential arrival on Merseyside would bring a unique profile to Moyes’ midfield, as he’s a deep-lying playmaker.
The Boro star excels in possession-based systems, so it could indicate that Everton are looking to change their style of play, somewhat.
