Everton have now set their sights on signing a midfield star who could replace James Garner if he leaves as a free agent in the summer, according to reports.
Man Utd and Newcastle interested in James Garner
Whilst much of the plaudits have been sent the way of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Garner has quietly been enjoying his best season yet in an Everton shirt. Unfortunately for the Toffees, however, that form is set to coincide with the end of his current contract in the summer.
The Friedkin Group should be desperate to agree fresh terms with their midfielder, but reported interest from former club Manchester United and Newcastle United may yet put a pin in those plans.
Having his say on Garner’s future, David Moyes claimed that the club will be doing everything to keep hold of Garner beyond this season and if it was up to him, he would not be heading for the exit door.
“Look, I wouldn’t be letting [Garner] go and I think the Club will do everything they can to make sure that he stays.
“It’s probably a bit of a difference and shows signs [of progression] because I’m not sure many clubs have been after many Everton players in the past but now they’re maybe starting to take a bit of interest, which is a good sign.
“Hopefully he signs a new contract when the time comes but at the end of the season he’s got an option [of an extra year extension] as well so, obviously, we’ll be on that, if we need to be.”
The one-year extension option should hand the Toffees the advantage in talks, but they’re not without a back-up plan if Garner does depart in the summer. According to TeamTalk, Everton have set their sights on signing Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
Everton now eyeing Hayden Hackney move
The young midfielder has looked destined for the Premier League for some time now, even if that does not come courtesy of Championship promotion at Middlesbrough.
In previous years, he’s been content with staying put in Teesside, but reports are now claiming that Hackney is switching agents when January arrives in what could be a major hint about his club future.
League stats 25/26
Garner
Hackney
Minutes
1,433
1,821
Goals
1
3
Tackles Won
23
29
Ball Recoveries
66
124
Out of possession, Hackney is one of the best midfielders that the Championship has to offer. The 23-year-old is tireless off the ball and even has a knack for goals when given the chance. If anyone is ready for the Premier League in England’s second tier, it is the Middlesbrough star.
New Boro boss Kim Hellberg knows the extent of the talent that he has on his hands too, telling reporters: “Hayden is a fantastic player. He’s good at everything. He could play in every position there is on the pitch and do it brilliantly.
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“He has all of that, but then he has also been the captain in these last two games and has been leading the squad so well. You could see his happiness when everyone else scored [at Hull].”
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