Manchester United are ready to make a splash in the summer transfer window, with midfield additions understood to be top priority for everyone at the club.
The club have already agreed a deal for their first signing of the summer, with Brazil international Ederson on his way to Old Trafford in July, while a number of other midfield options are being eyed, including the likes of Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, and others.
But with the Red Devils keen to make up to three signings in central midfield to compensate for Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte's departures, it has now emerged that Michael Carrick has a preference for one of those signings.
Carrick Convincing Man Utd to Sign Hackney
Hayden Hackney
Man Utd have been linked with a move to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney this summer, and it's understood that there is interest from Old Trafford.
Hackney, who has been described as 'the next Declan Rice', has enjoyed a fantastic campaign in the Championship, winning the Player of the Year award, and is now expected to move on after entering the final 12 months of his contract and the club failing to earn promotion to the Premier League.
Everton, Crystal Palace, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been heavily linked with a move for Hackney too, but it's understood that Carrick is keen to be reunited with the 23-year-old, seeing him as a long-term option for the midfield.
Man Utd are currently prioritising deals for other midfielders first, but Carrick is trying to convince his bosses to get a deal done for the Middlesbrough star once those moves have been completed, according to The Northern Echo.
But Boro are not in a rush to sell, despite his contract status, and it's reported that they are willing to keep him for the final year of his contract if they don't receive what they deem to be an acceptable offer. They would also want a hefty sell-on clause included in any deal.
Hackney Could Be Fine Third Option
Hayden Hackney applauding the Middlesbrough supporters
If Man Utd want to bring in three midfielders, then Hackney should only be a third option. With Ederson already on his way through the door, that would only leave space for one other midfield signing, and they would have to be a top star to fill the void.
Players like Fernandes, Tonali, and Baleba would all be excellent additions as they already have Premier League experience and have played at the top level. Ederson has that too, but there are some question marks over how his game will transition to England.
Hackney has got bucket loads of potential, and Carrick knows him very well from their time together at the Riverside. If Carrick wants him, there's a good reason for it, and the club should do what they can to bring him through the door.
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