Manchester United have become the latest club to join the race for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, according to reports.
The Red Devils are facing a big recruitment drive this summer, with the centre of the park the priority. It’s an area that has been a constant headache in recent years and with Brazilian Casemiro amongst the departees at Old Trafford, this need has become heightened.
News emerged yesterday that a £35 million deal had been struck with Italian outfit Atalanta for central midfielder Ederson, but a further two could also be targeted. This also includes West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes.
Carrick To Raid Former Club?
Former United midfielder Michael Carrick returned to the club in January to hold the fort following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Initially scheduled to be a temporary affair, some impressive form and a third-placed finish in the Premier League led to the ex-England international landing the role on a permanent basis.
It represents a remarkable turnaround for the 44-year-old, who was dismissed by Middlesbrough last summer after failing to reach the Championship play-offs. However, his time at the Riverside Stadium was widely praised.
Hayden Hackney became a pivotal player under Carrick’s tenure, but is expected to move on this summer after Boro’s loss in the play-off final against Hull City. A host of Premier League clubs have been linked, with Everton said to have shown the most interest to date.
The 20-time English champions are the latest to add their names to the list, with reports that Carrick is keen to reunite with his former player. According to The Northern Echo, the head coach is said to be ‘encouraging his bosses to make a move’ once their primary targets have been secured.
What Else Has Been Said?
Hackney has enjoyed another stellar season in England’s second tier, contributing five goals and eight assists in 38 league appearances. After almost joining Ipswich Town in a £20 million deal last summer, it is believed his asking price now stands at around £10-15 million.
United’s interest also emerged earlier this week, with Sky Sports journalist Gary Weaver saying:
“I’d be surprised if Hayden Hackney is still at Middlesbrough by September.
“Brentford like him a lot. Everton like him. Forest and Ipswich both made bids last season. I think Middlesbrough are resigned to the fact he will probably go.
“He’s been a fantastic Championship player this season. Even in that brief cameo in the final you saw how opposition teams react to him.
“The first time I saw Hackney play I noticed he was a ball carrier who keeps his head up. That’s a Premier League trait. He understands what’s going on around him.
“I’ve even heard Manchester United mentioned. That might sound ambitious but they are looking at younger talented players and Hackney fits the bill. Training with elite midfielders can elevate a player massively.
“If the offers are from mid-table Premier League clubs he may think long and hard because he clearly cares about Middlesbrough. But it feels like only a matter of time before he moves to the Premier League.”
Hackney’s current deal is set to expire in 2027, meaning this is perhaps Middlesbrough’s final opportunity to get a good price for their prized asset.
