TFG ready to sign the next Declan Rice as Hayden Hackney update emerges at Everton
David Moyes absolutely loved his time with Declan Rice at West Ham, and The Friedkin Group could be about to find Everton‘s own version.
Without the England international, the Scot never would have led the Hammers to the Europa Conference League title in 2022-23, and it was only a matter of time before he sealed a big-money move.
Never in the supporters’ wildest dreams did they ever think Rice would raise upwards of £100million, but the Toffees might be able to get their very own midfield star for just £30million.
Everton are now leading the race for Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough [The Athletic] despite interest from Tottenham and Crystal Palace, and that would be a huge statement from The Friedkin Group (TFG).
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBDavid Moyes can sign Declan Rice 2.0 at Everton
The Toffees’ midfield is currently made up of the incredible James Garner and the inexperienced Tim Iroegbunam, with Idrissa Gueye sidelined for the last few games of the 2025-26 campaign.
Gueye’s future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is also shrouded in doubt. The 36-year-old’s contract runs out next month, and there is yet to be an announcement on a potential new deal.
Moyes clearly needs reinforcements in the middle of the park, explaining the strong interest in Boro’s No.7, and the player already has a hugely positive reference, one that the manager can’t ignore.
| Hayden Hackney | vs | Declan Rice |
| 3314 | Minutes played | 3099 |
| 5 | Goals | 4 |
| 7 | Assists | 5 |
| 83 | Chances created | 63 |
| 1.47 | Successful dribbles per 90 | 0.41 |
| 1.25 | Successful tackles per 90 | 1.02 |
| 0.57 | Interceptions per 90 | 1.07 |
Journalist Chris Dunlavy was incredibly impressed by Hackney back in February [The Football League Paper], reminding him of the “all-round excellence of Declan Rice”. Huge words ahead of the summer.
Hayden Hackney could be James Garner’s replacement
Some might suggest that a big move for Hackney means movement in the camp at the Hill Dickinson, and Garner is the player gaining the most traction ahead of the summer transfer window.
Despite putting pen to paper on a new contract in January, extending his stay until the summer of 2030, Football Insider understands that Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Garner ahead of next season.
Unai Emery’s side are unlikely to be the last to test the waters on Merseyside, which might explain why the Toffees are racing ahead in a bid to win Hackney’s signature.
Although the 23-year-old has a long way to go before being on the same level as Rice, his stats are hugely positive, and he could be Moyes’ next star, with the potential to lead Everton to glory.
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