Almost the entire crop of England’s under 21 international side have been linked with moves this transfer window, several with West Ham. Not surprisingly, having lifted the UEFA u21 Euro Championship trophy back in June, the spotlight has been on captain James McAtee and his ten medal winners who overcame Germany 3-2 in a famous, very un-England-like win.
Surprisingly still at Middlesboro in the championship. Midfielder Hayden Hackney was linked with West Ham earlier in the window – as he was with several other Premier League and Championship sides. Rumour has it that his club agreed a £23 million deal with fellow Championship side Ipswich Town only for the player to turn down a move: Now it seems the Hammers are revisiting their interest in the 23 year old as desperation sets in ten days ahead of the transfer window deadline day drama.
According to footballleagueworld.co.uk,
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“West Ham plotting to land further Ipswich Town transfer blow for £20m Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney” .
Indeed Hackney may well be the ‘mystery’ third target suggested by Claret and Hugh yesterday alongside Mateus Fernandes and Ngal’ayel Mukau. Similar price, the right age and more of a number six than an eight – Hackney performed solidly win the summer Euros. It is a question of judgement mixed in with a whiff of desperation from West Ham as to whether he can step into Edson Alvarez’ boots.
He certainly has the legs and the mentality to avoid the Alvarez yellow and red card pathway. “West Ham have more expensive and more established players on their shortlist too, Hackney is considered to fit the bill for them as a cheaper option, and of course, would also add another homegrown player to their squad too.”
Back in June we suggested that “Hackney would provide all that has been missing from West Ham’s midfield last season, acting as a deep-lying midfielder who initiates forward runs and passes, whilst still winning possession back [more than did ]any other ‘Boro player last season.”
One for the future and certainly one who would relish stepping upto the Premier League at West Ham instead of languishing in the championship. Tick. Tock. Ten days.