Manchester United have been among the clubs to watch Middlesborough star Hayden Hackney as a potential summer transfer looms.
After a dreadful campaign, Manchester United are focusing on improving their frontline in the early weeks of the summer transfer window.
Matheus Cunha is through the door and Bryan Mbeumo is expected to join him soon, and then the Reds will be targeting a new striker for Ruben Amorim.
When the attack is filled with new signings, United will then try and address some of their other problem positions, including the centre of midfield.
The Reds want to bring in an energetic midfielder who can help Amorim’s side, and Middlesborough star Hayden Hackney is viewed as one of the potential options.
Hackney price-tag revealed as United target ‘expected to leave’
Hackney, 22, has emerged as an important player for the Boro and developed under ex-Red Michael Carrick, who was recently sacked as their manager.
United’s interest in the young midfielder has been well known and it has been claimed now that an exit is expected for Hackney this summer, with a lot of interest within the Premier League.
“Do I expect Hackney to still be at Boro come September? I’d be surprised at this point if he was still there,” Graeme Bailey told EFL Analysis.
“Middlesbrough don’t need the money to stay afloat or anything, but if they really want to back Rob Edwards, then they do need some money. And selling homegrown players is what Middlesbrough’s academy is there for, to a certain extent.
“So yes, I do expect Hackney will go. The likes of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Man United, and West Ham have watched him.”
The report also added that the Championship outfit are aiming to receive around £20 million for Hackney’s signature this summer.
United should buy from the Championship
United’s last move for a Championship player was in 2019 when Dan James arrived from Swansea. Since then, the Reds have avoided a market that so often benefits top level clubs.
Whether it be someone like Adam Wharton or Morgan Rogers; these young talents can explode after being signed from the Championship.
Just like how the Reds are now finally focusing on Premier League-proven players, they should also be considering the talent in England’s second division.
Hackney might not be the best player to partner Bruno Fernandes in the midfield, but he is a hugely exciting player and would provide some quality depth in Amorim’s squad.
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