David Moyes knows there's one transfer Everton simply can't get wrong - View

David Moyes has already made clear he needs backing from the Friedkin group if Everton are to succeed this coming season.

If that is to happen, the Toffees simply cannot afford to get their transfer business wrong.

Particularly when it comes to one position, which could determine just what Everton can achieve next season.

A disappointing end to last season saw the Merseyside outfit finish outside the European spots.

There is no reason why Moyes' men cannot use that pain to their advantage in 2026-27.

With that in mind, the Friedkin Group need to get to work ASAP to ensure Moyes gets his wish.

Hayden Hackney deal more important than first realised

Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has topped the list of names linked with a move to Everton so far.

While the window only opened for business on Monday, the links with Hackney started many weeks before.

The problem for Everton, though, is that the Middlesbrough ace is massively in demand.

It is clear to see why, too, as he topped plenty of metrics among Championship players last season.

Hackney is a central midfielder by trade - one who is able to play as a holder, attacker or just a bit of both.

And given it now looks as though Idrissa Gueye is on his way out of Hill Dickinson Stadium, bringing in another player in that area is key.

That would be an instant upgrade, with Hackney only then likely to get better over time.

A right-back is very much needed on Merseyside this summer, but recruiting a string-puller in the centre is even more important.

Is Hackney really worth haggling over?

Reports regarding Hackney's true valuation are pretty contrasting.

Some suggest £20million is wanted, others £25m and then there are reported of Boro wanting £30m.

If it is the higher end of that scale, Everton are right to think twice. That is an obscene amount for an unproven Premier League player.

But if it is somewhere in the region of £20m-23m, there is no reason to start haggling.

Everton know they are not alone in their pursuit of Hackney, and should they miss out on someone is presumably their top target then they will be left in this exact position again for their second or third choice.