Brighton 'plotting move' for Middlesbrough FC's Leeds United and Manchester United-linked star Hayden Hackney
Brighton & Hove Albion 'plotting move' for Middlesbrough's Leeds United-linked star Hayden Hackney
Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly plotting a move to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.
The 23-year-old is on a steep upward trajectory and is among the most exciting talents below Premier League level.
A former England youth international, he is an indispensable figure in Middlesbrough’s midfield and his recent absence due to injury has been sorely felt.
Transfer speculation has been following Hackney for years and is only intensifying with each passing month. Leeds United have been linked with the midfielder, as have the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Porto.
Brighton linked with Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Brighton are looking to swoop for the highly-rated midfielder this summer.
However, it appears the Seagulls could have quite the fight on their hands. It has been suggested there will be significant demand for Hackney in the upcoming window, with almost half of the Premier League on his trail.
Posting on social media platform X, O’Rourke said: “Brighton are plotting a move for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney. Hackney is set to be in huge demand this summer with almost half of the Premier League clubs interested in the talented midfielder.”
Middlesbrough’s quest for Premier League football
If Middlesbrough miss out on promotion to the Premier League, a parting of ways seems inevitable. If they do manage to reach the promised land, they may be able to fend off potential suitors.
Kim Hellberg’s side do have a chance of sneaking into the Championship top two on the final day, although will need help from results elsewhere.
They will be without Hackney for their trip to Wrexham as the academy graduate is still recovering from injury. His last appearance came in March, when he registed an assist in Boro’s 1-1 draw with Bristol City at the Riverside.
One thing Middlesbrough do know for sure is that Hackney’s admirers will be keeping a keen eye on how they fare in Wales.