How Everton can make a better signing than Hackney on a free

Everton have made a slow start to the summer transfer window, but have tied Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl to permanent deals, and spent £23m on Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney.

The Toffees’ hopes of qualifying for Europe last season were dashed, with David Moyes unable to prevent his side from going on a seven-match winless run to close the Premier League campaign.

Hackney can help change that, bringing expertise and a winning mentality to a midfielder who may be long overdue.

Why Hackney could be a game changer for Everton

Middlesbrough were the dominant team in the Championship last year, and Hackney were at the heart of it.

The 23-year-old is one of England’s top passers, averaging 54.3 passes per game in the Championship. He also created an average of 2.2 chances per game, winning duels and running into dangerous areas with consistency.

It will certainly be a new experience for Hill Dickinson’s side, who are still working towards a faster style of football under Moyes’ management. More control and fluidity when creating may have benefits for the Merseysiders, who are no longer among the relegation fodder, but are still a little lacking in attack.

Hackney can play an important role for many years, but Everton probably need more experience in their squad. Imagine if they could get a hand from one of the most talented and experienced professionals in English football.

Everton are ready to close the statement immediately

Everton have done their job well in recent weeks, but Moyes could do with adding a marquee to make a difference in setting pre-season targets.

John Stones could be that man. Once part of the Goodison Park machine, the England international left the club to sign for Manchester City in a £47.5m deal last year – now, he could be back.

Well, according to Sports Boom, the veteran player may be determined to return home, as difficult negotiations are expected next week as his contract with City has expired.

Talks will begin when Stones returns from North America this month, after the Three Lions play their third-place play-off against France, and Everton are keen to do a deal as soon as possible, before the start of the new season.

At his best, Stones was one of the best defenders in the world, and his skill and intelligence while in charge actually transcended his designated role throughout his career.

Brimming with silverware, Stones is only 32, but injuries have blighted his prolific career, and he has missed almost the entire season he spent under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

Hackney will make some interesting changes to Everton’s midfield, but Stones could change the makeup of Moyes’ ongoing system, and in that regard, he could be a summer signing for the Toffees, who need leadership and experience at a high level if they are to break away from midfield football.

In England this summer, Stones has played five games, starting three of them. He has completed 97% of his passes and won 63% of his duels, and while he may not be able to start every Premier League game for Everton, he could have a bigger impact than any other member of Moyes’ squad next year.

With Jarrad Branthwaite’s development hampered by repeated injuries, it seems vital that Everton get this over the line, hopefully negotiating an affordable wage package.

Hackney will have a long-lasting impact on the club, in that he will be prominent for many years, but Stones could make a big difference, guiding Everton back to the European limelight after a decade away.