Manchester United have now "discussed" a move for a "super" midfielder, who Michael Carrick is a big fan of, and they are leading the race for his signature.
Man Utd eyeing summer move for new midfielder
With Casemiro's contract set to expire at the end of the season, Man United have set out to sign a new central midfielder, and they have already identified a number of potential targets from within the Premier League.
United's recruitment last summer has started to pay dividends, with Bryan Mbeumo impressing in his first season at Old Trafford, chipping in with nine goals and three assists in 22 Premier League outings, while Matheus Cunha has eight goal contributions to his name.
As such, it would be a wise move to bring in a midfielder with plenty of experience in the top flight, meaning Tonali, Wharton and Anderson are exciting options, but the Red Devils are now looking to raid Carrick's former employers, Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
That is according to former scout Mick Brown, who recently told Football Insider: "Hayden Hackney is somebody Man United have discussed.
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney in action with Ipswich Town's Sammie Szmodics
"Michael Carrick knows him well, and he knows Michael Carrick, so I have no doubt the question will have been asked by the recruitment team at some stage.
"I’m told he is somebody the manager likes and would like to work with again if the opportunity came up, in a position where United want to strengthen. I think they’re going to bring in a midfielder and probably more than one because Casemiro is leaving and he might not be the only one."
The report also states Man United are now leading the race to sign Hackney's signature, moving ahead of the likes of Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
Carrick is a big fan of "super" Hackney
During his time at the Riverside Stadium, the interim United boss made it clear he is a big fan of the English midfielder, describing him as "exemplary", while also saying: "You couldn’t ask for much more from Hayden. He’s grounded, he’s humble, he’s down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well."
Carrick isn't the 23-year-old's only admirer either, with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder saying: "There’s no better teacher for him than Michael, and he’ll enjoy the way Middlesbrough play. He’s a super player."
The maestro has been one of the Championship promotion-chasers' best performers this season, averaging a FotMob match rating of 7.60, which is the highest in the squad, and he has chipped in with five assists, which is the joint-highest of any Boro player.
Hackney could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, but moving to Manchester United straight away would be a huge step-up, and INEOS should bring in a midfielder with a little more experience alongside the Boro star.