Leeds United are reportedly planning an ambitious summer swoop for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.
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An all-action midfielder, Hackney is widely considered to be among the biggest talents in the Championship.
He has blossomed again this season, helping Middlesbrough ascend to the Championship summit.
However, transfer speculation has continued to swirl around the highly-rated 23-year-old.
Leeds United linked with Middlesbrough star
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were linked last month and there has also been talk of interest from Porto, Newcastle United and Ipswich Town.
According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, Leeds are among the admirers of the former England Under-21s star.
It has been suggested the Whites have marked Hackney down as a priority target for the summer if they retain their Premier League status.
However, a move would reportedly hinge on Middlesbrough failing to clinch promotion to the top flight.
The report has claimed Leeds could jump to the front of the queue and that they have the finances to make a deal happen.
‘Outstanding’ Hayden Hackney
Hackney would arguably be a huge coup for the West Yorkshire club, who would add his blend of class and grit to the Leeds midfield.
Talk of a potential move for Hackney will only make Middlesbrough more determined to go up, as the loss of such a talent would be a bitter blow.
After his excellent display in Middlesbrough’s win over Sheffield United last week, Hackney was lauded as an “outstanding” midfielder by Blades boss Chris Wilder.
He said: “Hayden was in and around the group while I was there and really got his opportunity and blossomed into the player that he is. As I said, he's an outstanding midfield player.
“When we look at standout midfield players and overall standout players in the division, for me there's nobody better than Hayden.”