Tottenham given chance to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney after he rejected a move to Ipswich Town
Thomas Frank is the new Tottenham Hotspur boss, and he has made some exciting signings during this summer transfer window.
In Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus, Spurs have signed two extremely talented players who could make a huge impact in the Danish tactician’s first season in north London. Kudus, in particular, has Premier League experience and is expected to hit the ground running when the new season commences.
The Lilywhites’ long search for a defensive midfielder is about to get over soon, with Joao Palhinha on the cusp of signing on loan from Bayern Munich having passed his medical on Friday. Of course, Palhinha’s arrival usually means another’s exit, and in this regard, that player is Yves Bissouma.
Since arriving from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2022, Bissouma has largely struggled for consistency at Tottenham. Now, the club bosses are working on offloading the Mali international from their books, with several European clubs interested.
However, with the Lilywhites, set to participate in the Champions League in the forthcoming 2024/25 campaign, Thomas Frank will require additional depth in his squad. This could see him add another midfielder as a potential replacement for Bissouma.
Tottenham put on red alert as Middlesbrough midfielder turns down Ipswich move
Now, according to an exclusive report from The Northern Echo, Tottenham-linked Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has turned down a move to Ipswich Town.
The player is understood to have travelled to Suffolk to discuss the project after Ipswich Town’s offer of around £20m was accepted by Middlesbrough. However, the Englishman has rejected a transfer to the Tractor Boys, even with a significant wage hike offered.
As the move is on the verge of collapsing after Hayden Hackney informed the Middlesbrough officials of his decision, Tottenham have been put on red alert. They now have a great opportunity to pounce on the midfielder, who appears keen on leaving Middlesbrough before the transfer window slams shut.
Should Spurs go for Hayden Hackney?
Tottenham will be aware of the £20m price-tag on Hayden, so Daniel Levy will not have to worry about wasting time in negotiating with Boro over the fee. The real issue will be persuading the England under-21 international to join Frank’s forces this summer.
The Redcar-born talent started 43 Championship matches for the Teesiders last season, scoring five goals and providing three assists in the process. So, it is but obvious the central midfielder will want to be a regular at Spurs if he moves. Frank will have to give Hackney assurances over game time he can expect if he decides to leave Boro for Tottenham.
As the North Londoners will look to compete well in all four competitions, Hackney will get plenty of opportunities to excel and showcase his talent. The 23-year-old can play as a No.6 and 8, potentially making him a good back-up for the incoming Palhinha. Due to his technical qualities and strong work ethic, he’d an upgrade on Bissouma and improve Tottenham’s squad depth.
That said, the Hotspur Way chiefs must now capitalise on the opening they’ve got to sign Hackney.
