Manchester United are ‘interested’ in signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney after the personal recommendation of manager Michael Carrick, according to The Northern Echo.
The 23-year-old is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Championship, and he is expected to leave Boro this summer after their failure to secure promotion through the play-off final.
Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have a long-term interest in the Englishman, but United ‘will be confident’ of striking an agreement if they make a transfer offer of their own.
Carrick worked closely with Hackney during his three seasons as Boro manager. The midfielder enjoyed working with the 44-year-old too, and the prospect of a reunion is sure to appeal him.
United could secure a cut-price deal for Hackney
Hackney has been touted to move to the Premier League for some period of time. Boro’s latest failure to return to the top-flight could pave the way for his exit, given his contract expires in 12 months.
The Telegraph have claimed that the midfielder could be prised away for just £12 million, but Boro will no doubt seek to push the final transfer figure to at least £20m with performance add-ons.
Still, he would represent a bargain signing for United due to his current ability and potential. He could be considered as a long-term prospect rather than someone who could start regularly.
United have already confirmed Casemiro’s free-transfer exit, while Manuel Ugarte is expected to be sold. They are currently on the cusp of landing Atalanta’s Ederson, with talks reportedly advanced.
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali has likewise been touted to join the club, and there have been reports that the hierarchy could pursue a third midfielder for no more than £20m to add depth.
Hackney would be an ideal fit for the role. He completed an impressive 54 passes per league game last term. He also won five duels and two tackles per outing with an average of five recoveries.
The regular Boro captain also made 14 goal contributions, but his tendency to lose possession is a cause for concern (17 times/game). Still, he would be a good acquisition for the price mentioned.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
