Sadly, reality has bitten for West Ham United fans relatively early on in the transfer window.
Indeed, West Ham fans were excited about the prospect of potentially signing Hayden Hackney not too long ago.
The fixtures are out! How many points do West Ham NEED in the first 5 games?
Turf Moor is a tough start…
It always seemed like an ambitious move, however. Hackney, of course, was one of the standout players in the Championship last season and the fact that West Ham were relegated made it seem all the more unlikely.
Now, it seems that the midfielder’s next move is all but set.
West Ham fans wanted Hackney but he’s going to Everton
Supporters who subscribe to our TalkingPoints platform voted Hackney as their dream signing this summer when the website ran a poll asking fans who they’d like to see join. Sign up for TalkingPoints for free here to join thousands of others in discussing everything about the club.
He amassed 42% of the vote but, sadly, it seems as if Everton are closing in.
According to The Athletic, the Toffees – managed by former Irons coach David Moyes of course – are now set to sign the 24-year-old.
Nils Koppen helped build PSV’s title-winning squad! What do you want from him at West Ham?
The report adds that all of Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham were also interested in the England U21 international.
Hammers News understands that West Ham were seriously interested in Hackney, who excelled last season.
The website has also been told that the Hammers are keen to sign Boro defender Dael Fry, who is out of contract in the next few weeks.
Daniel Kretinsky has vowed to back manager Nuno Espirito Santo in the transfer market this summer as the club target an immediate return to the Premier League.
Clearly, much will depend on player sales this summer, but West Ham have certainly not hidden their ambitions following a miserable final season in the top tier.
Hackney, however, appears to be going elsewhere and it will be interesting to see where West Ham turn their attentions to next in pursuit of a new central midfielder.
Nuno also wants to sign a centre-back and a wide forward this summer to get his squad ready for what is hopefully a promotion charge.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
