Manchester United appear to have stolen a slight march in the race to sign Hayden Hackney, according to reports - with the Middlesbrough star seeing one of his other suitors drop out of the race.
United will be set for yet another rebuild this summer after the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim at the start of the month. 2025 was the Portuguese gaffer's only summer transfer window in charge, with the year before being overseen by Erik ten Hag, and the upcoming 2026 window will be no different.
And that could see the Red Devils land Hackney from Middlesbrough, with another interested party turning their attention elsewhere.
Man Utd 'Exploring' Hackney Move Due to Carrick Influence
Hayden Hackney in action for Middlesbrough
The report by CaughtOffside suggests that Tottenham were among the Premier League sides who were exploring a move for Hackney in the window, but their interest has massively cooled thanks to the £34million signing of Conor Gallagher.
And that has given Manchester United free rein in their pursuit of the Middlesbrough talent, despite the Riverside Stadium outfit failing to budge on their valuation of their homegrown star.
Boro chiefs insist that Hackney, labelled as 'outstanding', isn't for sale unless anyone meets their £30million valuation, despite growing Premier League interest in his services, due to Boro's involvement in a promotion race to the Premier League.
United have an admiration for Hackney, stemming especially from Michael Carrick's time in charge of the north Yorkshire outfit, where he became the gaffer to fully breed Hackney into the midfield role that he used to star in himself for United.
As a long-term admirer, that means club scouts are constantly checking on Hackney and that could force a deal over the line. They chose not to push for the England under-21 cap last summer when assessing their targets, but his age and the potential to rebuild means he's not off the list - especially with Casemiro expected to depart despite having the option of an extra year.
Hayden Hackney is Undoubtedly Suited for the Premier League
Hayden Hackney applauding the Middlesbrough supporters
Hackney clearly has the attributes to step into the Premier League, that much is true.
At just 23 years of age, he already has over 125 appearances in the Championship, as well as 13 caps for England's under-21 side with a goal to boot, and an assist in the 2025 Euro tournament.
Hackney has proven himself time and time again in the second-tier, and he's now started adding goals to his game, making him an even more attractive proposition for any interested sides.
If United don't sign him, then there is no doubt somebody else will - but the question is whether Hackney can adapt to such a huge club such as United.