Leeds United are reportedly eyeing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney and view him as a “future captain”, per Sports Boom.
Hackney has earned rave reviews during his time at the Riverside and is in high demand amid a stellar season. He has helped Boro challenge for the EFL Championship title, registering four goals and six assists in 30 league games.
Leeds are well aware of the 23-year-old’s abilities, given he came up against the Peacocks in the second division last season. But the Elland Road outfit aren’t alone in their interest in the Englishman who has just over a year left on his contract.
Leeds Monitor Middlesbrough’s Hackney
Leeds, West Ham United, and Fulham’s scouts have implemented a “special protocol” to monitor Hackney at Boro. It’s suggested that West Ham are in the strongest position to sign the player.
Hackney’s leadership qualities are noted by the Peacocks’ recruitment specialists, and they believe he has the makings of a long-term midfield anchor for years to come. There have already been inquiries made to try and sign the English midfielder, and a price would need to be around £30-35 million.
Leeds’ interest in Hackney might have been more with the summer in mind, given the club didn’t expect to make any signings on deadline day. Midfield wasn’t the only area that the transfer chiefs were looking to strengthen in the midst of a relegation battle.
Hackney, previously hailed as ‘outstanding’, is joined on their wishlist by Krasnodar attacking midfielder Eduard Spertsyan, who was previously a target ahead of last summer’s transfer window. But a concrete move wasn’t made for the Armenia captain, who Farke knows from his brief stint in Russia.
A possible Dominic Calvert-Lewin backup was also under consideration, with the English frontman perhaps needing someone with whom Farke can rotate him. But after missing out on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jorge Strand Larsen to Crystal Palace, it seems they will see out the season with the hope that Calvert-Lewin remains fit.
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