One of Manchester United’s initial midfield transfer targets is back on the market after rejecting a £20 million Championship move.
Manchester United’s current efforts are focused on signing a new striker, with Benjamin Šeško the first-choice option for the position.
However, with the 22-year-old also being courted by Newcastle and United yet to submit an official bid, Rúben Amorim’s club are also working behind the scenes on the move they want to make next in the market.
Multiple reports have suggested that, once United either secure Šeško or the club’s stance on whether or not to bring in a new striker becomes clear, they will next move on to signing a new midfielder.
Amormi has detailed multiple times that he feels his squad lack an energetic and dynamic profile in the middle of the park, but with funding tight, they may have to look at budget options.
United have perfect Hackney hijack chance
United have long been linked with “incredible” Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who has developed his skills under the management of former Red Michael Carrick.
Reports earlier this week suggested that with Ipswich Town having agreed to a £20 million transfer for the player, United were contemplating hijacking the deal, considering he 23-year-old’s obvious talent and relatively low price tag.
According to a further report from The Northern Echo, Hackney has now rejected the chance to sign for Ipswich after holding talks with their officials.
Middlesbrough’s board have been informed of his decision and are said to be happy to keep the player. However, with United’s interest still lingering, the fact that Middlesbrough accepted Ipswich’s £20 million bid hands United a ballpark figure they know will be accepted should they move for the Englishman.
United’s Šeško funds could be used in midfield
Although Hackney would represent a good value-for-money deal to add an extra body to United’s midfield reserves, there is an argument to be had that they should instead invest in a higher-quality player.
If United’s move to Šeško falls through and the player ultimately ends up in Newcastle, the money they had put aside for the deal, no doubt in the region of over £60 million, should be reinvested into a midfielder.
United did not score enough goals last season, and the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have largely helped cover that gaping hole. If they do not sign a striker, this is nowhere near as impactful as if they had not signed one without the wing pairing being at Old Trafford.
With Aorim wanting a dynamic defensive midfielder, United legend Rio Ferdinand has put forward 21-year-old Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as the perfect option.
If I don’t get a striker, I’d go midfield,” the 46-year-old said. “There’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’ve got to be honest, who I think fits the bill for what we need.”
“An Amorim-type player as well. Physically great, can drive with the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, centre midfield. Baleba. That’s who I go and get. That’s my man. That’s the one I go and get. I go and break the bank.”
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