Everton are close to agreeing a fee with Chelsea for the winger Tyrique George as Hayden Hackney puts the finishing touches to his move from Middlesbrough.
George made 11 appearances for Everton last season after joining on loan in February. That deal included an option for Everton to sign the England Under-21 international on a permanent basis for £25m and, although that option was not activated, David Moyes still wants to secure the 20-year-old’s services.
Talks over the structure of a deal have progressed between Everton and Chelsea this week and an agreement is understood to be close. Everton would pay less than the £25m up front but Chelsea would get close to their original asking price with add-ons.
A similar proposal has produced a breakthrough in Everton’s pursuit of Hackney. Middlesbrough have been seeking £25m for the midfielder, who has only one year remaining on his contract and had also attracted interest from Crystal Palace. Everton have agreed to pay a guaranteed £16.5m rising to £25m with add-ons for the 24-year-old.
Hackney, named Championship player of the season for 2025-26, is expected to have a medical in the coming days and to become an Everton player by the end of the week.
