We would look so stupid if we don't bring Hayden Hackney after scouting for so long. Incredible player pic.twitter.com/Vw68pai9wT
— HK10Foreverđ (@HKaneForever) January 13, 2026
Following the arrival of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur have cooled their interest in Hayden Hackney and Manchester United may pounce, a new report said.
Spurs worry the talented Middlesbrough midfielder could become an excess and unnecessary expenditure if they are to go ahead with the transfer talks. Instead, they need to reinforce other departments with the funds available. Hayden Hackney will only be sold for bids more than or equal to ÂŁ30 million, Middlesbrough had reportedly confirmed. However, a January transfer will need much more than that as the Championship side will not be interested in letting go of a key player with the promotion race intensifying.
"He will be in the Premier League next year, with or without Middlesbrough!"
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 5, 2025
High praise for Hayden Hackney from Neil Warnock and Michael Dawson đ« pic.twitter.com/wcRpwsJE1u
With Spurs out of the way, Manchester United may re-enter the transfer race as they are convinced that Michael Carrick needs a fresh recruit in the midfield. The Red Devils were actively monitoring the experienced Ruben Neves of Al-Hilal, but Hackney's availability may influence the course of talks.
Why Hayden Hackney?
Often ranked as the Championship's best playmaker, Hackney thrives in the deep-lying role. He fits well in a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 system and can command the team's build-up play. He can break lines with an incredible passing range and loves to carry the ball forward.
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Middlesbrough believe none of the bidders will be able to match their asking price for the midfielder in January and that they will be able to sell him in the summer once their fate is sealed, CaughtOffside said in a report. However, the outlet has not ruled out United going all in for the 23-year-old Englishman, who has impressed Carrick. He missed out on a United bid last season, but the club's reinvented project to bring on board youngsters who can shape their campaign for the next decade means he may get to become Casemiro's successor at Old Trafford.
Apart from Spurs, Fulham and Brighton were also tracking the right-footed player, but United are the only team who would be open to paying a huge sum for him mid-season.
