Everton could accelerate Shea Charles pursuit after latest Hayden Hackney disappointment

Everton may turn their attention to Southampton's Shea Charles after falling short in a second attempt to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.

The Toffees made an initial £12million bid for Hackney, which Boro knocked back, as their second offer was also declined.

David Moyes' side recently put together a new £15m package offer for the Championship Player of the Season, but again, the North East side turned it down.

It is understood that Everton and Boro are still far apart in terms of valuation of the player, with the latter wanting at least £20m up front before any potential add-ons and sell-on clauses.

A new midfielder is a priority this summer, and though Hackney's preference is to come to Hill Dickinson, it may not be happening after all.

Everton have Charles on their list of targets, and Southampton may be inclined to sell for a similar fee.

Everton won't have the same Hayden Hackney issue with Shea Charles

Crystal Palace are said to be preparing a £20m bid to sign Hackney, an offer which could tempt the Teessiders to sell their prized asset.

This update highlights the issue that Everton faces, with at least half a dozen Premier League clubs monitoring the situation over the 23-year-old.

The Liverpool Echo have said that the Blues are weighing up their options regarding Hackney, with another shortlisted target, Charles, "likely" to leave EFL Championship side Southampton this summer.

There's a possibility that Everton misses out on Boro's playmaker with Crystal Palace keen on his services, and if so, the Toffees may ramp up their attempts to sign Charles instead.

Could Charles be better value for money than Hackney?

It is understood that Middlesbrough's approximate valuation for Hackney is £25m.

While Charles' value isn't known, there's a good chance that Southampton would accept less for the midfielder after their recent Spygate scandal loss.

The Saints are expected to make multiple sales this window, and the Northern Irish international is one of their bigger assets.

While Charles could cost less than Hackney, the ceiling of the latter is that of a potential future England international.

Make of that what you will, but it would raise more questions if another Premier League club signs the Middlesbrough star while Everton watches him become a world-class player.