Everton in talks to extend Gueye's stay while targeting Championship player of the year Hackney

Everton are in contract talks with Idrissa Gueye to keep the Senegal international at Goodison Park for an eighth season, with the 34-year-old’s existing deal set to expire at the end of June. The club are also targeting Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who was named the Championship’s player of the year.

Gueye, who rejoined Everton from Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, has made 236 appearances across two spells at the club, scoring 10 goals. He featured 25 times this season despite a suspension following a bizarre sending-off in which he slapped teammate Michael Keane during the win at Old Trafford, and an absence for the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal — a tournament his country initially won before having the title stripped.

If a new deal is agreed, Gueye would remain on Merseyside until he is almost 38. He formed a midfield partnership with James Garner last season, and Everton are keen to build on that platform by adding Hackney alongside him.

The 22-year-old Hackney has been one of the standout players in the second tier this season and represents a significant recruitment target as Everton look to reinforce the engine room of their squad.

Midfield is not the only area of focus. Everton are expected to pursue a new right-back following the departure of club captain Seamus Coleman, who is ending his playing days at the club after 17 years and 435 appearances — a remarkable tenure that made him one of the longest-serving one-club figures in the Premier League era.

At left-back, Vitalii Mykolenko has already committed his future to the club by signing a new three-year contract, providing some defensive stability as Everton prepare for life at their new stadium.