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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 20 May 2026 12:04, UK

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Newcastle United have joined the race for Hayden Hackney, as Man United focus on other targets, sources have told Football Insider.

Should Middlesbrough fail to win promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-off final against Hull City, it is understood that the midfielder’s departure is “almost inevitable” this summer.

There is still no guarantee that Southampton will not find a way back into the final after being excluded for “Spygate”, and that could throw more uncertainty over the 23-year-old’s future.

Newcastle are likely to have watched his progress this season, but with Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton and Nottingham Forest all keeping tabs, the race for his signature is “wide open”.

Newcastle United could be beaten to signing by Premier League rival

There is still no end in sight for the Championship play-off final saga, with Southampton appealing against the EFL’s decision to boot them out of the competition.

It could have a significant impact on Boro’s preparations for the final, and should Kim Hellberg’s side fail to beat the Tigers at Wembley Stadium, Hackney is expected to leave in the coming weeks.

Multiple Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the situation, and Football Insider understands that Brighton are edging closer to a deal for Hackney, but the player has plenty of choice.

It is certainly no surprise. Despite a struggle with injury towards the end of the campaign, he was named as EFL Championship Player of the Season, and was also named in the Team of the Season.

Hayden Hackney could be the perfect replacement for Bruno Guimaraes

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Keith Wyness expects Bruno Guimaraes to leave St James’ Park this summer, with rumours starting to swirl, mainly thanks to the player’s agent.

That would be an enormous blow to Eddie Howe’s plans moving forward, especially given that Sandro Tonali could also be eyeing an exit this summer.

The Magpies are likely to be without European football next season, which could play a key role in transfers. Even if they beat Fulham on the final day, several teams are pushing for the same finish.

Many will be hoping that this doesn’t put Hackney off a move to the North East, but the player will have a wealth of options should Boro fail to win promotion to the Premier League.