‘Tottenham face competition in pursuit of Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney’
A Premier League rival is set to compete with Tottenham over the signing of Middlesborough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The 23-year-old has just finished being a part of England Under-21’s Euro winning squad.
The Young Lions defended their trophy after beating Germany 3-2 in the final after extra-time.
Hackney was an unused substitute in that match, but did grab the assist which set up Harvey Elliott to score the winning goal in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
He also featured against Spain in the quarter-finals and in the group stages against the Czech Republic and Slovenia.
Palace to swoop in for Hackney ahead of London rivals
Hackney appeared in 43 of Middlesborough’s 46 Championship games last season as the club finished 10th in the division.
His performances at the Riverside have gathered interest with Crystal Palace now in the race with Spurs for his signature alongside Bundesliga club Stuttgart.
Porto had a £9million bid rejected on deadline day in the January transfer window.
According to The Sun, Spurs have been keeping an eye on Hackney for over a year and former Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has also liked what he’s seen.
| Appearances | 113 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 9 |
Scouts from the South London club were spotted at the Under-21 Euros to keep an eye on the midfielder ahead of a potential bid this summer.
New Boro boss Rob Edwards would like to work with Hackney next season, but a fee generated by his sale could fund other targets and The Sun reports that a deal could be made at £15m.
Hackney sale could boost Boro promotion challenge
Football Insider verdict
In a season where Middlesborough failed to break into the play-off places, Hackney was an ever present for former manager Michael Carrick.
Carrick, who played in midfield 464 times for Manchester United, has called Hackey “exemplary”.
That high praise alone would be enough for Premier League clubs to take a look at a young talent.
A move to England’s top-tier, or abroad, now seems likely in this window if a club can meet Middlesborough’s £15m valuation.
The money raised by a sale would be a big boost to Edwards as he looks to ensure the club does challenge for the play-offs as a minimum requirement next season.
Palace’s last couple of signings from the Championship have been successful with Eberechi Eze potentially moving on for over £60m and Will Hughes an established first team player.
The Eagles would be singing another talented midfielder if they can beat Spurs to the signing.