(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Tue 5 August 2025 7:00, UK

Everton are among a number of clubs preparing to swoop in with a move for Hayden Hackney after his prospective £20million move to Ipswich collapsed

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That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 23-year-old is keen to take the step up to Premier League football.

Man United, Tottenham and Crystal Palace are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation and have been long-term admirers of the midfielder.

Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Palace, Tottenham and Aston Villa want Hackney but he could cost a high price if a bidding war begins.

David Moyes, meanwhile, is keen to bolster his midfield following Abdoulaye Doucoure’s departure with more long-term options in mind.

Brown told Football Insider on 17 July that Everton want to sign a new midfielder alongside two wingers, a full-back and a striker before the window closes.

Everton are plotting a move to sign Hayden Hackney.

(Credit: Imago)

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This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.

Brown told Football Insider in March that Crystal Palace scouts have been watching Hackney at the Riverside but will not be alone in their pursuit.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted Hackney’s availability has put the Toffees on red alert as they weigh up making a move.

“Hayden Hackney is a very talented player,” he told Football Insider.

“I think he’s one who could develop into a very good Premier League player, and from what I’m told, he wants to make that step up.

“It seems that move to Ipswich has fallen through, so clubs are going to be put on alert.

“Everton are one of those, because Moysey is looking to strengthen his midfield.

“Given the price involved, Everton feel he is a player who will be worth taking the chance on even if he’s not a cast-iron certainty at this level.

“If things go to plan, he will develop into a top player for them.

“I think Everton would be a good destination for him, he’s an improvement on what they’ve got long-term and would benefit from playing at that level.

“It’s certainly a move I can see happening if they decide he’s worth the money.

I can see a hijack happening”

David Moyes is determined to strengthen his Everton squad.

(Credit: Imago)

Hackney is not the only midfielder on the Toffees’ radar this summer, as they have also been heavily linked with a move to sign Juventus’ Douglas Luiz.

However, Football Insider revealed on 4 August that Everton have been told Juventus want £40million for Luiz and are unlikely to accept loan offers this summer.

Everton are not the only club interested in the ex-Aston Villa star, with Man United also keeping an eye on his situation, but they could now miss out on a deal.

This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 15 July that Everton and Man United want to sign Luiz but Juventus are pushing for a permanent move.

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