Exclusive: West Ham plot move to sign Hayden Hackney after transfer mission
West Ham are weighing up a move to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side have sent scouts to keep tabs on his performances at the Riverside Stadium as they aim to bolster their midfield.
The 23-year-old has made 29 appearances so far this season and impressed against Premier League opposition despite Boro’s 3-1 defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup.
Hackney‘s current contract at Middlesbrough is set to run until 2027, and there is a growing feeling they could allow his departure for the right price.
However, West Ham are not alone in their interest, with a number of rival Premier League clubs also sending scouts to keep tabs on his progress.
West Ham join race to sign Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney
Hackney’s performances for Middlesbrough in the Championship have attracted a lot of high-profile interest, with clubs looking to bring him into the Premier League.
The likes of Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Tottenham want Hackney, and had expressed interest in him during the summer transfer window, but missed out.
Ipswich Town agreed a £20million deal for Hackney during the summer, but he turned down the move as he planned to wait for Premier League suitors to come forward.
His displays for Middlesbrough in the wake of that decision have only accelerated plans from Premier League clubs who have been impressed by what they have seen.
No decision has been made by West Ham yet, and a deal is unlikely to happen in January as things stand, but scouts will continue to keep tabs on his situation.
Ipswich and Everton make moves to sign Callum Wilson
While West Ham remain keen to bolster their squad this month, outgoing deals are also expected, with Callum Wilson’s future still up in the air.
Football Insider revealed on 16 January that Ipswich plan to offer Wilson a contract to lure him to Portman Road ahead of Premier League rivals.
Celtic are also said to be exploring a deal, while Ipswich and Everton have both registered their interest, and Saudi Arabian clubs are also keen.
Football Insider revealed on 6 January that Wilson has agreed to leave West Ham by terminating his contract early after just five months at the club.
After his late winner as West Ham beat Tottenham 2-1, questions have been asked about his immediate future, but an exit is still considered likely.
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