Everton to 'match asking price' for new signing who will pair James Garner in midfield - expert

Everton have been backed to complete the signing of Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackeny with a new offer of £25million to be accepted.

The 24-year-old has been targeted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer, and David Moyes' side have moved quickly to get ahead of their rivals.

Moyes has been keen to bolster his midfield with younger and more creative options who can help feed the likes of Iliman Ndiaye, rather than relying on hard workers.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Hackney's technical ability has impressed Everton's scouts and made him one of their top targets.

This comes following the success of James Garner at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the technically-gifted midfielder establishing himself as a crucial part of Moyes' side.

Garner has been linked with moves away from Everton as a result of his form, but there is now hope that he can play alongside Hackney in the heart of their midfield.

Will Everton win the race to sign Hayden Hackney?

Football Insider revealed on 25 June that Everton are prepared to match Middlesbrough's valuation of Hackney as they accelerate efforts to get a deal over the line.

Interest from rival clubs has forced the Toffees to move quickly, and they are now confident they will reach an agreement barring any late twists.

Moyes has been keen to add Hackney to his side, and believes he will be a huge addition alongside Garner as part of his ambitious plans for the future.

"Hackney is the exact type of player Moyes has been looking to add to his side," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's comfortable in possession of the ball, can play forward and feed his teammates, and is capable of moving in possession to open up space for other players.

"When you look at Everton's recruitment recently, they went and got players like Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, and now they want players who can help feed them.

"Alongside James Garner in midfield, who Moyes is very happy with and will want to keep, Hackney gives them that ability to be more comfortable in possession.

"At the moment, there are a lot of hard-working players in that Everton squad who are not necessarily the most comfortable in possession.

"Moyes is looking to change that, and they've moved quickly for Hackney because of the amount of clubs who have been looking at him, they don't want to miss out.

"So, from what I've heard, Everton are going to match that asking price and they see him as the ideal player for what they're trying to build under Moyes."

What is next for James Garner at Everton?

Speculation about Garner's future is expected to ramp up after Hackney's arrival, despite plans for the two to play together in midfield, given the interest in his signature.

A number of Premier League rivals are believed to be keeping tabs on the midfielder following a string of impressive performances which saw him earn an England call-up.

Despite being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup, Football Insider revealed that Aston Villa have been impressed by Garner's performances.

Both Villa and Nottingham Forest have been keeping tabs on the midfielder's situation this season, and a recent contract extension is not believed to have deterred them.

Garner put pen to paper on a new deal in January, extending his stay on Merseyside until 2030, and Everton remain hopeful that will deter his suitors.