Newcastle United have been keeping an eye on Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney for a while.
The England Under-21 standout, together with Tino Livramento, helped the team win the European Championship this summer.
The Magpies have had Hackney on their radar for some time, and with him nearing the final year of his contract this summer, there is anticipated to be some competition for his signing.
Middlesbrough are targeting promotion and may believe that if they win a berth in the Premier League, they will be able to persuade him to stay, although Newcastle and Manchester United are reported to be waiting in the wings.
If Michael Carrick is appointed as permanent manager of Manchester United, as appears to be the case given his performance as interim manager, the former Middlesbrough manager will undoubtedly wield considerable power in Hackney.
Middlesbrough’s current manager, Kim Hellberg, understands how difficult it will be to retain the 23-year-old, telling reporters in a recent interview that Hackney is too excellent for Middlesbrough (via The Shields Gazette).
“I believe he is too good to be here. I say that in a positive way because I believe he would be a top player in most Premier League teams given his talent. I believe he is everything you want in a player. First, he’s a terrific football player who wants to do everything for Middlesbrough. He’s always joyful, smiling, and working hard.
“He is so good, but he still collaborates with everyone else to make everyone happy.” When you see how he battles for others, you can’t help but be proud of him. He assists everyone at every training session; whether it’s a rookie player coming up from the Under-21s, Hayden talks to him and pushes him. That is what you look for in a captain, leader, and player for the club. “I think he’s incredible in every way.”
Newcastle are looking for an exciting young midfielder, and it appears unlikely that they will be the one to sign AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit this summer, so Hackney would be an excellent option.
If Middlesbrough make it into the Premier League, they will undoubtedly be able to add a couple of million pounds to his asking price, but with only a year remaining on his contract, it is unlikely to be anything beyond of Newcastle’s comfort zone. I mean, they’ve been saving money since January to spend over the summer, so we must have plenty.
Man United will be difficult to beat in the market, especially if Carrick is given the job. On the other hand, Hackney will not have to travel far if he chooses to relocate to Newcastle.
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