Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to make a move in the summer transfer window to secure one of the Championship’s most sought-after young talents.
According to a report from The Northern Echo, Spurs are expected to launch a formal bid for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who looks destined to leave the Riverside Stadium following Boro’s recent play-off final heartbreak against Hull City.
The 23-year-old England Under-21 international is entering the final year of his contract on Teesside, leaving Boro with little choice but to cash in on their prized academy graduate.
Tottenham have long been tracking the Redcar-born deep-lying playmaker, viewing his composure on the ball, progressive passing style, and tactical maturity as a perfect cultural fit for the club’s midfield revamp.
Tottenham want Hackney
Locking down Hackney’s signature will be far from a straightforward task for Lilywhites chiefs. The report reveals that Crystal Palace are also preparing a formal bid of their own, with Hackney as a potential replacement for Adam Wharton.
More concerningly for Spurs, Manchester United have entered the race aggressively. The Red Devils’ pursuit is being personally championed by former Boro boss Michael Carrick, who is reportedly pushing Old Trafford’s recruitment team to prioritise the young midfielder after working closely with him for three seasons.
Despite the intense heavyweight competition, Tottenham are desperate to position themselves at the front of the queue. Adding a high-ceiling, homegrown talent like Hackney, described as ‘the Championship Declan Rice’, would provide vital squad depth and competition in the engine room.
Spurs right in the mix
With Middlesbrough ready to do business to avoid losing him for free next year, the ball is firmly in Tottenham’s court to act quickly. If Spurs want to avoid being hijacked by United, they must present a swift and convincing project to Hackney to ensure his future lies in north London.
