Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has been given hope of being able to lure Hayden Hackney to Old Trafford as the Middlesbrough star will be allowed to embark on a fresh challenge after missing out on promotion to the Premier League, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Red Devils have taken advantage of the initial 10-day transfer window by completing the acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, having triggered the £62.5million release clause written into his contract, but there is determination to make further adjustments to the squad after falling short of silverware and European qualification.
Bryan Mbeumo is firmly in Manchester United's sights as a potential arrival, with plans being made to table a second bid worth in excess of £60million after already having a £55million proposal rejected by Premier League counterparts Brentford, and Amorim is also toying with the idea of diving into the Championship for reinforcements.
Red Devils Set for Chance to Recruit Hackney
Price tag still needs to be determined ahead of possible offer
Hayden Hackney in action for Middlesbrough
Manchester United target Hackney will be allowed to leave Middlesbrough ahead of next season, according to GMS sources, but Amorim is being forced to contend with stiff competition and will have to wait until after the Under-21 European Championships before discovering his price tag.
Although there have been suggestions that the central midfielder is valued at £20million by his current employers, shining on the international stage would result in there being more lucrative demands when the Red Devils and other interested parties come calling for his signature.
GMS sources have been informed that Hackney's performances for the England under-21 side will be used by Middlesbrough to determine what they should hold out for after he enjoyed another productive campaign at the Riverside Stadium, meaning that Manchester United are being forced to remain patient ahead of potentially pouncing.
Hayden Hackney's statistics for Middlesbrough this season
The 22-year-old has been described as 'incredible' thanks to his consistent performances for Boro and, with Amorim in the market for fresh options in the middle of the park, he has worked his way onto the Portuguese tactician's radar as he prepares for his first full season in charge of the Red Devils.
Middlesbrough have given Hackney the green light to seal a move away from Teesside, GMS sources have learned, but they are desperate to hold out for the best possible deal after discovering that Manchester United are not the only side interested in offering a route into the Premier League.
Amorim Facing Stiff Competition for Hackney
Quartet of Premier League rivals also interested in midfielder
Hayden Hackney celebrating after scoring for Middlesbrough
GMS sources have been told that Manchester United have been joined by Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in contemplating whether to head to the negotiating table for Hackney, leading to Middlesbrough being hopeful that they will profit from a bidding war.
The Boro fan favourite is preparing to enter the final two years of a contract which allows him to pocket £6,500-per-week, resulting in top flight suitors sniffing a golden opportunity to pounce and expecting to have no issues when attempting to agree personal terms if they are able to come to a compromise over the fee.
Manchester United and other admirers are not able to get involved in discussions with Hackney as he is currently in Slovakia preparing for England's opening Under-21 European Championships clash with the Czech Republic, and GMS sources understand that Middlesbrough are desperate for him to excel so that they can set lofty demands.
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The Red Devils' ongoing interest in the Redcar-born man comes after GMS sources revealed in March that Amorim could make a move for his signature if the former Sporting chief is unable to stretch his transfer budget far enough to secure premium targets during the summer window.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 10/06/2025
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