Everton close on 'lucrative' Hayden Hackney deal as Crystal Palace accept defeat

Everton seemed to have progressed in their pursuit of Hayden Hackney.

The Blues have been in negotiations with Middlesbrough for weeks, but an agreement had escaped them.

The Championship side looked to be holding firm on their valuation of the 24-year-old star.

Everton want Hackney to add to their depth in midfield, with Harrison Armstrong closing on a loan exit and Tim Iroegbunam a target for newly-promoted sides.

Idrissa Gueye could also be moving on this summer, so it is imperative that they bring someone in for the engine room.

Hackney is David Moyes' number one target for the position and the Toffees may finally have made the breakthrough.

What is the latest on Everton's Hayden Hackney pursuit?

The Riverside Stadium club had been playing hardball over an exit for the England Under-21 international.

Although he only has one year left on his contract, they are still trying to get the maximum fee, with Crystal Palace also in the running for his signature.

A report from Alan Nixon via his Patreon on Sunday claimed that Palace's proposed deal for the midfielder is set to collapse.

He states that is because the Merseysiders are closing on a "lucrative" agreement.

But even once that deal is done, Everton are nowhere near finished yet.

What's next for Everton after Hackney capture?

If the Hill Dickinson Stadium outfit sign Hackney, it should be the start of a very busy summer.

They need depth at left-back, with Adam Aznou looking likely to leave on loan, and Vitalii Mykolenko as the only option in the position.

Moyes' side also need a starting right-back, as they were forced to play Jake O'Brien in the position last season, who is naturally a centre-back and looked exposed at time.

Perhaps most importantly, they want a striker, as Beto nor Thierno Barry hit the heights expected of them.

This summer is absolutely vital for the Friedkin Group, if they want to get the Blues into European contention anytime soon.

If they fail to bolster the squad in the right way, it could leave them short and unable to achieve their ambitions.

If they get it right, it could be the start of a brilliant era in L3, one that brings a trophy for the first time since 1995.