Coventry City could target a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney after their promotion to the Premier League, according to the Daily Mail.
The Sky Blues secured a top-two finish in the Championship with three games to spare following Friday’s 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers.
Frank Lampard’s side will return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, having not featured in the top flight since their relegation in 2000-01.
It seems the West Midlands side have already started planning for next season and could target a move for one of the Championship’s standout players.
Coventry Could Target Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney
According to the Daily Mail, Coventry will seek greater athleticism in their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League and could target a move for Hackney.
After being heavily linked with a move away in recent months, the 23-year-old could head for the exit door at the Riverside Stadium if Boro do not follow Coventry back to the Premier League.
Hackney developed at Boro’s academy before emerging as a first-team regular in 2022. The ‘outstanding’ midfielder has made 153 appearances for the club to date, scoring 16 goals.
His attacking output has risen this season, with Hackney registering five goals and seven assists in 38 Championship appearances.
Only Morgan Whittaker and Tommy Conway have more goal contributions among Middlesbrough players in 2025-26.
Aside from Hackney’s impressive numbers, his contract situation could also lead to an exit this summer. The 23-year-old will enter the final year of his deal in June, which could prompt Middlesbrough to sell.
Coventry Prioritising Carl Rushworth Deal
Carl Rushworth
Following their promotion, Coventry will hope to retain goalkeeper Carl Rushworth after his promising loan spell from Brighton.
According to the Daily Mail, the Sky Blues view a deal for the shot-stopper as a ‘priority’ and are open to both a permanent move or another loan.
Coventry could face competition from Ipswich Town for the 24-year-old, who faces a difficult summer decision over his future.
Rushworth joined Brighton’s academy in 2019 but has yet to make a senior appearance for the Seagulls, who currently have Bart Verbruggen, Jason Steele and Tom McGill as first-team goalkeepers.
The Halifax-born goalkeeper has kept 16 clean sheets in 43 Championship appearances this season, conceding 43 goals.
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