Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United told £25m Eberechi Eze alternative is 'not for sale'
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Middlesbrough have reportedly made it clear that midfielder Hayden Hackney is not for sale in January which comes as a blow for Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United who were both said to be keen on signing him. Spurs have been circling around Hackney for some time as Ange Postecoglou would consider trying to strike a similar deal to the £40million signing of Leeds man Archie Gray.
However, GiveMeSport is reporting that Hackney will not be for sale as Middlesbrough have made it clear that there is no possibility that the 22-year-old will be let go in January despite the draw of possible big bidding from Spurs and Newcastle. Hackney is a key part of Michael Carrick’s Boro team who are currently eighth in the Championship, just two points off the play-offs. It may be that Boro don’t want to sell Hackney as they believe he can help them to promotion to the Premier League this season.
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Hide AdThe midfielder has started every game that Boro have played so far this season making 11 appearances and scoring twice. The most recent came in their 1-0 win over promotion rivals West Brom at the start of October.
Tottenham Hotspur looking at adding a midfielder
Ange Postecoglu tends to play a 4-3-3 with three central midfielders. His starting three are James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma, however Spurs’ depth in the position is slightly lacking which could be why the are so keen on Hackney.
Furthermore, at just 22-years-old, Hackney could develop into a star in the Premier League although he may have to wait until the summer to get his big move. During the summer Spurs had been linked with several top midfielders.
There was concrete interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze who plays a similar role to Hackney in that attacking midfield position. However, his price tag is hefty as a reported £68 million release clause will come into effect at the end of the season.
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Hide AdHayden Hackney also monitored by Premier League rival
Spurs and Newcastle aren’t the only two Premier League teams to have their eye on the 22-year-old. Manchester United are also keen on Hackney, but would only pursue him in the summer rather than January.
United signed Manuel Ugarte in midfield this summer for a fee of £42m but they could move for Hackney in the summer which could put a spanner in the works for Spurs and Newcastle should they remain interested in the midfielder in the summer.
Assuming that Middlesbrough decide not to change their mind on selling Hackney in January, then Spurs may have to face both Newcastle and Manchester United to land his signature.
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