Everton launch bid to sign Tomas Soucek, West Ham reject the offer | OneFootball

Everton reportedly launched a bid for West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek as Toffees manager David Moyes looks to bolster the engine room (Jacob Steinberg).

The Toffees are looking to make a few more additions to wrap up their transfer window and had turned to Soucek, but the Hammers refused the bid.

It remains unclear whether Everton will return with another offer for the 30-year-old, whom Moyes knows from their time together at West Ham.

There had been rumours that Moyes, who lauded him as a ‘really good goalscorer’, would love to bring Soucek to Merseyside, but their offer has been knocked back.

The Everton target remains a key part of West Ham’s plans this season, having started in their last clash versus Chelsea and featured against Sunderland.

It is easy to see why Everton are after Soucek.

The Czech Republic international (81 caps) has been a cornerstone for West Ham since arriving from Slavia Prague in 2020, and his experience remains vital.

After losing Michail Antonio, Vladimir Coufal, and Aaron Cresswell this summer, losing the midfielder as well would deliver another heavy blow.

However, Everton need midfield cover for Tim Iroegbunam.

The 22-year-old central midfielder, who joined from Aston Villa last summer, struggled against Leeds United in Everton’s 1-0 loss.

While the Everton ace did redeem himself in the match versus Brighton & Hove Albion, the Toffees need options.

Also, Iroegbunam’s injury record doesn’t make for good reading, forcing Everton to act in the transfer market.

The next few days will be interesting. Should Everton double down with another offer to West Ham, or turn to another target to strengthen the midfield?

Everton need a ball progressor in midfield and should sign Hayden Hackney

Everton need a midfield metronome who can kickstart attacks swiftly, and should consider a bid for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

No player in the Championship was involved in more open-play attacking sequences that ended with a shot (273) last season.

Hackney initiated 49 of those moves, just four shy of league leader Jason Knight of Bristol City.

He topped the Championship charts for secondary key passes (66) – the pass before the final pass and would be a fantastic addition to the Everton ranks.