Tottenham are not the only Premier League side keeping a close eye on one of the Championship’s best midfielders, with Newcastle United now joining the growing list of interested clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur have long kept tabs on Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, with interest dating back to the summer transfer window.
Spurs were reported to have been eyeing a £25 million move for Hackney last summer, but a deal never materialised, with the Englishman instead staying put in the Championship.
The 23-year-old, however, has continued to catch the eye, and former Tottenham scout Mick Brown believes Hackney is ready for a step up to the Premier League, even backing Spurs to make a move for the midfielder.
Fresh reports have now revealed that interest in Hackney is not limited to Tottenham, with several clubs now reported to be following the Middlesbrough man.
Newcastle and rivals track Tottenham target Hayden Hackney
According to TBR Football, Brighton, Fulham, and Brentford are the latest to enter the race for the 23-year-old, as they are understood to be watching him closely.
It has also been revealed that Middlesbrough’s North East rivals Newcastle United have been tracking Hackney’s progress in recent weeks.
Last year, Portuguese giants FC Porto made offers and are said to still be keeping tabs on the Englishman.
Meanwhile, the likes of Atalanta, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen are also showing interest in the midfielder.
Manchester United and Crystal Palace, who were among the clubs to check on Hackney last season, are believed to have retained a watching brief as his stock continues to rise.
Graeme Bailey offers insight on Hayden Hackney’s future
TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey also gave his view on Hackney’s situation at Middlesbrough and the club’s stance heading into the January window.
He explained that as Boro push for promotion, Hackney has become pivotal to their hopes, with the club unwilling to sanction a sale mid-season.
“As Boro mount a serious promotion challenge, Hayden Hackney is emerging as the cornerstone of their push,” Bailey said.
“However, I am told that Boro have little intention of allowing Hackney to leave in January – last season they sold Emmanuel Latte-Lath, which Michael Carrick felt cost them the chance of promotion, and they do not intend on doing that again.
“That said, Boro’s resolve is set to be pushed if Hackney’s form keeps up – there could be some very big offers coming in January.
“Boro do know that the only way they can keep him, however, is if they get promoted and the only way to do that is by keeping him.”