Michael Carrick Credit: Imago
Following a solid first season back in the Premier League that ended with a 14th-place finish, Leeds United have turned their attention towards the summer transfer window and how they can continue moving forward.
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Daniel Farke has called for ambition in the market, although chairman Paraag Marathe has made it clear that the club will remain disciplined financially and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Even with those constraints, there is a clear agreement within the club that the squad needs strengthening in a number of areas. Leeds are looking to add genuine quality this summer as they aim to build on last season’s progress rather than stand still.
Leeds are looking to bring in midfield reinforcements in the summer window. However, one of their top midfield targets is now wanted at Manchester United.
Hayden Hackney is wanted at Manchester United
Leeds have been heavily linked with a move for the Middlesbrough midfielder, and he is seen as one of the top targets for the Whites in the upcoming transfer window.
He is almost certain to leave Boro after they failed to achieve promotion to the Premier League, and the Riverside club want more than £20m for Hayden Hackney, who was awarded the Championship’s Player of the Year award.
However, according to The Northern Echo, Manchester United are firmly in the race to sign the Boro midfield star in the summer transfer window.
Hackney flourished under Michael Carrick, and the former midfielder now wants his prodigy at Old Trafford ahead of next season.
Carrick is personally championing Hackney and is pushing Manchester United to get their hands on the Boro midfielder in the coming weeks and months.
Leeds have been tracking him for months, but are unlikely to compete with Manchester United’s financial might if the Red Devils make a serious offer for Hackney.
The Whites may have to look at other targets
Hackney has been a long-term target for Leeds, and Middlesbrough’s failure to get promoted meant Leeds had a good chance of getting their hands on him.
However, if Manchester United push ahead with a move to sign the Boro star, Leeds are likely to have little chance of signing the midfielder.
Leeds will have to look at other targets and may firm up their interest in Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmaan, who has emerged as a top target for the Whites.
Hackney is hugely admired inside the Leeds recruitment team. But Manchester United’s involvement in the race is a major problem for the Yorkshire giants.