Tottenham Hotspur want to sign one of the Championship Player of the Year nominees, but they hope to avoid playing in the division next season.
It was reported during the January window that Spurs were reportedly considering a move for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney before they signed Conor Gallagher.
Spurs Web has relayed claims over recent weeks that Tottenham could go back in for the £30m-rated midfielder in the summer after missing out on him in January.
The Lilywhites may be hoping to complete a cut-price deal for the Boro man, but his value may be about to go up after he was shortlisted for a major award.
Tottenham target Hayden Hackney nominated for prestigious award
Spurs were already expected to face some competition for Hackney’s signature this summer, and his impressive displays this term at the Riverside Stadium have now been further highlighted, bringing him to the limelight.
The 23-year-old, who has five goals and eight assists this season in 38 league matches this term, has spearheaded Boro’s promotion push.
EFL have now announced on their official website that the England youth international has now made the shortlist for the Championship Player of the Season award.
The Tottenham Hotspur target is one of four nominees for the award and will be competing for the prize with Coventry City’s Carl Rushworth, Millwall’s Femi Azeez and Swansea City’s Zan Vipotnik.
Spurs may fear that if Hackney wins the award and is recognised officially as the best player in the Championship, the competition for his signature could intensify, and Boro’s asking price may increase by a few million.
Spurs’ Hackney pursuit may depend on Middlesbrough’s fate this season
It has been reported that Hackney could remain at Middlesbrough next season if they get promoted to the Premier League.
However, it has been suggested by transfer insiders that the Tottenham target is certain to leave this summer if his club do not get promoted.
Kim Hellberg’s men looked huge favourites for an automatic promotion spot until recently, but a run of five winless games in the league has seen them drop down to third place.