Manager David Ornstein has revealed that Everton have moved into pole position in the race to sign an “absolutely sensational” star.
The Toffees set out to add depth to their squad this summer
The Toffees ultimately fell short of their goal of qualifying for Europe, with a poor showing at the end of the season dropping them to 13th in the Premier League table, which will no doubt be a huge disappointment for manager David Moyes.
In a message to fans before the final home game of the season against Sunderland, which they lost 3-1, CEO Angus Kinnear outlined plans to strengthen the squad’s depth in the next transfer window, with options limited due to injury and international duty.
Mr Kinnear said: “Long-term injuries to Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite, and the long absences of Idrissa Gana Nguyeh and Iliman Ndiayi from the AFCON, have not helped us achieve our objectives. Our job in the coming weeks and months is to continue what we always knew was a two-summer window plan and ensure we have enough depth in the squad to take on an even more convincing challenge next season.”
Gueye, who has collected 130 caps for Senegal, is now 36 years old and has one year left on his contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with talks to sign a new midfielder in the summer.
Everton lead race to sign ‘absolutely sensational’ star
Manager David Ornstein has announced exciting transfer news for Everton, revealing the Merseyside club are currently leading the race to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, despite rival interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
Manchester United have also been floated as a candidate, but they are not understood to be interested in pursuing a deal, with Hackney currently favoring a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, suggesting there is a good chance the Toffees will cross the line.
Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion are also said to be interested in the Boro captain, with the Championship side, who lost in the play-off final to Hull City, expected to hold out for a transfer fee of around £25m.
Losing the 23-year-old could be a huge blow for Boro, given he was hailed as “absolutely sensational” by journalist Scott Wilson and won the Championship Player of the Year award for the 2025-26 season.
The Englishman created 83 chances in the Championship during the regular season, the second most after Stoke City star Solva Thomas.
His average of 1.8 tackles ranks him tied for third among central midfielders in the Middlesbrough squad, which is the same as Gueye’s average tackle number in the Premier League.
As such, Hackney could be a solid long-term replacement for Gueye from a defensive perspective, while offering more up front than the Senegalese midfielder, who created just 13 chances in the top flight.
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