Leeds United are still waiting to officially unveil Harry Wilson after confirming Pascal Struijk’s departure, but elsewhere in the Premier League, their rivals are wasting no time strengthening their squads.
Tottenham, in particular, have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market. After finishing 17th in each of the last two seasons, they appear determined to avoid another campaign spent battling near the bottom of the table.
Leeds’ direct rivals are also stepping up their recruitment, and several players who have been linked with a move to Elland Road are now edging closer to joining other clubs instead.
The Whites are still in ongoing negotiations to sign Southampton’s Shea Charles, but another one of their midfield targets has just joined their Premier League rivals.
Everton confirm the arrival of Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney was heavily linked with a move to Leeds for months, and he emerged as one of the club’s early top targets.
However, Leeds seem to have shifted their attention towards Southampton’s Shea Charles, and last season’s Championship Player of the Year has joined Everton.
The Toffees seem to have pulled off a stunning deal as they have paid just more than half of what Southampton are demanding for Charles this summer.
Everton have agreed on a deal worth an initial £16.5m to secure the signature of Hackney from Middlesbrough in the ongoing transfer window.
The Premier League club confirmed the transfer earlier today, and Hackney will now join his new teammates for pre-season preparations on Merseyside later this month.
Leeds are still hopeful of finding a compromise with the Saints, who have rejected two offers for Charles. But it seems their decision to shift their focus to the Southampton star gave Everton a clear run at Hackney.
The Whites want something different from their midfield signing
Leeds were definitely looking at Hackney as one of their top midfield targets towards the end of last season. However, their recruitment plans seem to have shifted.
The new Everton man is known for his progressive passing and is more of a creative midfield outlet than Shea Charles, who can also play in defence when needed.
However, Leeds appear eager to add more steel to their midfield, and Daniel Farke has admired Charles for well over 18 months.
Leeds shifted their focus away from Hackney once it became clear that they are keen to add a defensive midfield over a more creative outlet in the middle.
A steal at that price.