Tottenham Hotspur are readying a formal move to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney this summer, according to Scott Wilson of the Northern Echo.
Spurs avoided the disaster of relegation on the final day of the season with a 1-0 win over Everton, and now manager Roberto De Zerbi is pushing to add a number of new players to the squad in order to ensure they're not in this situation once again next season.
The club have already agreed contracts with both Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to join on free transfers from Bournemouth and Liverpool, but now they are ready to start working on targets further up the pitch.
Tottenham Ready Hayden Hackney Move
Hackney, who has been compared to Arsenal star Declan Rice, enjoyed a fine campaign at the Riverside Stadium this season, being crowned Championship Player of the Year as the club reached the playoff final, only to suffer defeat the hands of Hull in the final minutes of stoppage time.
The 23-year-old is now expected to leave the club and make the step up to the Premier League, with a number of clubs showing a strong interest, as he enters the final year of his contract.
As a result, it's reported that Tottenham are expected to make a formal move to bring him in to north London, but they face stiff competition from the likes of Crystal Palace, who see him as a potential replacement for Adam Wharton, and Man Utd, who now have his former manager Michael Carrick in charge.
It's unclear how much he is valued at as things stand, but Spurs are ready to get a deal over the line by making an early play for his signature.
Hackney Could Star in New Era at Spurs
The arrival of De Zerbi, plus the fact they avoided relegation on the final day, should be the kickstart Tottenham Hotspur need in order to find themselves heading into a new era next season.
Yves Bissouma is set to leave when his contract expires, while Joao Palhinha has already agreed terms with Sporting CP to move on rather than join the club permanently. That leaves a hole in midfield that needs to be filled, and the England youth international has the potential and quality to step up.
It won't be an expensive deal to do, and it would be a big upgrade on current midfield options, while also leaving plenty of room for growth too. It smells like a no-brainer, and the club are ready to pull the trigger to get it done.