Tottenham Hotspur are among the frontrunners to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney in 2026 after his impressive performances this season, according to TEAMtalk.
The Lilywhites have had a strong started to their season under new manager Thomas Frank, with the team turning in some impressive performances in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup so far.
Their summer transfer window was busy as they brought in Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, but the north London side are willing to add even more quality to their squad in the new year, and 23-year-old Hackney has emerged as someone they are keeping a close eye on.
Tottenham Ahead in Race for Hackney
Hackney, who has been described as "hugely talented" by former manager Michael Carrick, looked set to leave the Riverside Stadium in the summer after a deal worth around £20m was agreed with Ipswich Town.
However, after Premier League interest during the window, he opted to reject that move and wait, only for an exit not to materialise before the end of the transfer window.
But he hasn't let that stop him from performing this season, and the talented central midfielder has been one of the club's standout performers in the Championship this season, as the Teeside outfit sit top of the table and unbeaten after eight games.
His performances have seen him attract interest from Premier League clubs once again ahead of the January window, including Fulham, but it's understood that a deal for the Cottagers is highly unlikely as Spurs are already ahead in the race for his signature.
Middlesbrough would prefer to keep him at the club for the whole season, but his current contract is due to expire in 2027, and a decent offer in January could see him move on in mid-season.
Hackney, who has been described as being 'on another planet' when it comes to progressing the ball up the pitch, could find a place in the Tottenham team hard to come by considering the competition for places and profile of players in the squad, which could also see him opt to wait for a different opportunity.
Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma and Archie Gray are currently competing for minutes in central midfield, so Hackney would certainly not be guaranteed regular game time. But the England Under-21 international is a quality player, and a move to the Premier League is surely a matter of when and not if at this point.