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Middlesbrough reportedly want £30m for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur-linked midfielder Hayden Hackney.

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The 23-year-old is going from strength to strength in the Championship, winning more and more admirers with his dominant midfield displays.

He has regularly been the subject of transfer speculation, although Middlesbrough have managed to keep hold of the former England youth international.

Hackney is playing a starring role in Middlesbrough’s promotion push and there is every chance he could play Premier League football at the Riverside next term.

Hayden Hackney latest

However, it appears there could be efforts to lure him to the top flight before he gets the chance to drive Middlesbrough there.

According to TEAMtalk, both Manchester United and Tottenham are interested in signing the all-action midfielder.

A move to Old Trafford would reunite him with his former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, who he flourished under in the Championship.

Middlesbrough are said to have placed a £30m valuation on Hackney’s head and the report has suggested the club do not believe it will be met.

They are described as reluctant to sell, although there is reportedly an acceptance that failure to win promotion will lead to a deal being done in the summer.

Potential for a Manchester United reunion

Not only would a move to Manchester United reunite Hackney with Carrick, he would again be linking up with new Red Devils first-team coach Jonathan Woodgate.

The former Leeds United star not only an assistant to Carrick at the Riverside, he was also the manager of Middlesbrough when Hackney first turned professional.

The appeal of working with Carrick and Woodgate again could prove strong, while the lure of Manchester United for a Championship player is a significant one.

Middlesbrough would be dealt a significant blow if their most coveted asset moves on, although £30m would allow them to head into the transfer market with a strong hand.

Leeds United title-winner Manor Solomon is reportedly set for his second move of the current campaign.

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The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Elland Road, having found opportunities limited at Tottenham Hotspur.

He impressed in West Yorkshire, rediscovering his mojo and helping the Whites clinch the Championship title.

It was Solomon who notched the winner against Plymouth Argyle that secured the trophy, meaning his name will forever be etched in the club’s history books.

There was talk of his move being made permanent, although a switch back to Yorkshire failed to materialise.

He instead joined Spanish outfit Villareal on a season-long loan, a loan that now looks set to be cut short.

Manor Solomon set for move

According to reporter Fabrizio Romano, the Israel international is set to leave Villareal and link up with Fiorentina.

The 26-year-old will reportedly head to Serie A on an initial loan, with Fiorentina having the option of making his move permanent.

Posting on X yesterday (December 31), Romano said: “Fiorentina reach verbal agreement to sign Manor Solomon, here we go! The winger is set to leave Villarreal with loan move to be interrupted and new transfer to Fiorentina from Tottenham. Deal agreed today.”

Manor Solomon’s post-Leeds path

Solomon had initially been closing in on a move to Crystal Palace back in the summer before the proposed deal collapsed.

There had also been talk of a shock move to Sheffield United, although it was Villareal who managed to secure his signature.

It has not worked out for the wideman in Spain, with Villareal having afforded him just one start in La Liga.

Having enjoyed regular football in West Yorkshire, Solomon will most likely be keen on getting back into the rhythm of starting weekly.

In his farewell message to Leeds supporters last year, he said: “After nearly a year without football, I couldn’t have asked for a better comeback season and a better ending.

“I really don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that Leeds United will forever be in my heart.

“Thank you again, fans, for the unforgettable past few weeks and all your incredible support and love throughout the entire season. We are the champions.”

DONCASTER Rovers manager Grant McCann has confirmed that the club have finalised deals for two new signings at the very start of the 2026 winter window - with another two incoming transfers also lined up as the club seeks to turn around their League One campaign.

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Rovers, who find them in the bottom two of League One ahead of the Boxing Day programme, are to shake up their squad at the start of the new year, with McCann also confirming that four of the club's five current loanees will return to their parent clubs.

Charlie Crew and Damola Ajayi will not be involved in the club's festive fixtures and will head back to Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur, having finished their commitments with Rovers early.

Connor O’Riordan will go back to Blackburn Rovers at the start of the new year, while Toyosi Olusanya will jet back to the States and rejoin MLS side Houston Dynamo in January following the completion of his half-season loan.

On incoming recruitment, McCann confirmed that two signings would be permanent ones - with one being a ‘project' signing who will most likely head back out on loan.

'Two or three' other arrivals next month will be loan recruits, the Rovers chief revealed.

McCann said: "We've got a clear plan of what we need to do in January. Who will leave and who will come in. We're already ahead of the game on that.

"Two players have been agreed and done. One or two (others) are very, very close. We're well ahead of the game. We want to try and get our business done early, and that's the way we're looking.

"Two of them will arrive on the 1st of January.

The other two may be slightly a little bit delayed on that, given the structures around where they're coming from. We're working very hard - number one, to improve us now, and to improve us in the future."

Providing an update on several loan signings at the club, McCann added: "Toyosi's loan is only until January. So that's that.

"We only signed him on a six-month loan to January, so he'll go back to Houston.

"Connor O'Riordan will go back to Blackburn.

"Charlie and Damola will go back to Leeds and Tottenham.

"And Timmy's here (Thimothee Lo-Tutala) until the end of the season. So four of the loans will go back.

"We'll look to replace them, make us more stronger and hopefully have a good 2026.

"Connor's still around. Charlie and Damola have gone back as of today. And Toyosi's here until the 6th or 7th of January."

Leeds United could reportedly face a battle with Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa for Sevilla’s Ruben Vargas.

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It has been well-documented that Leeds want to bolster their attack when the January transfer window opens.

In recent weeks and months, the Whites have been linked with a clutch of attacking midfielders, wingers and forwards.

Swiss wideman Vargas is among those believed to be of interest, although has also been linked with Newcastle United.

Ruben Vargas latest

According to Spanish outlet Orgullo Biri, Vargas is being monitored closely by Tottenham and Villa.

Leeds, meanwhile, are said to be working on a €20m (£17.5m) bid to lure the explosive attacking outlet from La Liga.

It is believed the Whites see Vargas as someone who could improve them in the final third and help to keep the club in the Premier League.

Vargas only joined Sevilla in January, penning a four-year deal after making the move from German outfit FC Augsburg.

However, it has been claimed Sevilla could face some difficult decisions when the next window opens.

Potential reunion

If Vargas did complete a January move to Leeds, he would be reuniting with his compatriot Noah Okafor.

The pair have played together for Switzerland but not since the Leeds star’s exclusion from the national team picture.

Leeds United transfer talk

Leeds made an effort to strengthen late in the summer window, targeting Brighton & Hove Albion’s Facundo Buonanotte and Fulham’s Harry Wilson.

The former instead joined Chelsea on loan and the latter remained at Craven Cottage.

Since the closure of the summer window, Leeds have been linked with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Tyrique George, Manor Solomon, Josh Mulligan and Martin Baturina.

However, there is every chance Leeds snap up players yet to have been reported as targets for the Premier League club.

Leeds United are reportedly exploring the possibility of a reunion with Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon.

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The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Elland Road, shaking off injury struggles to feature regularly under Daniel Farke.

He etched his name into the club’s history books in his final appearance, scoring the goal that clinched the Championship title for Leeds against Plymouth Argyle.

There was talk of a potential reunion in the summer, only for a second move to fail to materialise.

A move to Crystal Palace was lined up and then fell through, leading to the striking of a season-long loan agreement with Villareal.

Leeds United linked with Manor Solomon

It has not quite worked out for Solomon in Spain and according to SportsBoom, the Israel international is on Leeds’ radar.

The report has suggested Solomon’s current loan deal could end prematurely, putting his former club Leeds on red alert.

Chelsea’s Tyrique George is said to be a top priority for the Whites, although the club could reportedly turn to Solomon following a fresh injury blow for jet-heeled wideman Daniel James.

Manor Solomon’s contributions

Solomon impressed in the Championship, registering 10 goals and 12 assists to help Leeds escape the division.

However, he has been afforded just one start in La Liga this term. He has made a total of 10 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and weighing in with four assists.

In his farewell message after lifting the Championship trophy, Solomon said: “After nearly a year without football, I couldn’t have asked for a better comeback season and a better ending.

“I really don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that Leeds United will forever be in my heart.

“Thank you again, fans, for the unforgettable past few weeks and all your incredible support and love throughout the entire season. We are the champions.”

Rangers are reportedly likely to accept a significant offer for Nicolas Raskin, who was linked with Leeds United in the summer.

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Speculation regarding the future of the Belgium international has been rife in recent months and a raft of Premier League clubs have been linked.

Leeds were among those said to be on his trail, although The Boot Room suggested the Whites, Brentford and Everton had been knocked back.

Tottenham have repeatedly been named as admirers of the midfielder, who joined Rangers from Standard Liege in 2023.

Nicolas Raskin exit mooted

The closure of the summer window did not completely dampen talk of a move and Football Insider have suggested an exit could be on the cards.

It has been claimed Rangers would likely succumb to a significant offer for Raskin in the January window.

The Gers are believed to be reluctant to lose him, although could reportedly have no choice if Spurs lodge a firm offer.

It remains to be seen if Leeds show January interest, although it appears likely they would face competition if they did.

Transfer talk

The Whites may well wish to recruit a more attack-minded midfielder, with Daniel Farke fairly well-stocked on midfield steel.

Ethan Ampadu has been the player of choice for the deep-lying role in Farke’s system and Ilia Gruev can step in. Anton Stach could also play deeper and flair is arguably a greater need than grit.

Leeds were recently linked with Hibernian’s Josh Mulligan, who has made rapid progress north of the border.

Nottingham Forest are also said to be keen on the midfielder, who can operate centrally or out wide.

Leeds have also been linked with a clutch of wingers and forwards, with Chelsea’s Tyrique George among those said to be on the club’s radar.

The 19-year-old has not been afforded a single league start this term and is believed to have attracted the likes of Leeds, Everton and Fulham.

Rangers would reportedly require a “big, big fee” to consider selling Nicolas Raskin to Leeds United or Tottenham Hotspur.

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The 24-year-old joined the Scottish giants from Standard Liege in 2023 and has since established himself as a key figure at Ibrox.

His exploits have enabled him to make a breakthrough on the international scene with Belgium and he is currently away on international duty.

A downside to Raskin’s ascent has been the emergence of speculation regarding his future.

Nicolas Raskin latest

Last month, Football Insider named Leeds and Tottenham as clubs who have kept tabs on the development of the midfielder.

The outlet’s correspondent Pete O’Rourke has now provided an update on Raskin’s situation, pouring cold water on talk of a mid-season switch.

He said: “There was interest in Raskin in the summer window from a number of clubs in the Premier League and across Europe as well. There is still interest in the Belgium international and that’s not going to go away.

“I’m sure clubs are keeping tabs on the situation at Rangers. I don’t think Rangers ideally would want to lose him midway through the season.

“It would have to be a big, big fee for Rangers to even consider selling him, that’s what I think it would take for them to let him go in January.

“I’m not sure the clubs that are interested in Raskin would be willing to fork out that money in January for the midfielder as well.

“He’s got 18 months to run on his current deal, and I’m sure there will be further interest, and that might be the time to cash in on him instead.”

Leeds United’s central midfield department

Leeds are well-stocked on central midfielders, although it is a department that has come under scrutiny of late.

Ethan Ampadu has been operating at the base of a three, with Sean Longstaff pairing up with Anton Stach just ahead of the captain most weeks.

The midfield has faced criticism for a lack of progression and fluidity, with its functional nature seemingly stifling the side’s attacking threat.

Tottenham Hotspur star Djed Spence is reportedly close to landing his former club Middlesbrough a cash boost.

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The 25-year-old did not hit the heights he was capable of at the Riverside and spent the final year of his time at the club out on loan.

It was during his season at Nottingham Forest that his stock soared and he attracted the attention of Tottenham.

In the summer of 2022, Spurs forked out a reported £20m for the marauding right-back’s services.

He initially struggled for minutes in North London and was loaned out to Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa.

A resurgence did not appear likely, yet Spence is now enjoying a new lease of life in the Premier League. His form has pushed him into the England fold and he now has three senior caps to his name.

Potential cash boost for Middlesbrough

According to the Northern Echo, one more competitive start for the Three Lions will trigger a clause inserted in the deal that took Spence to Spurs and

His first start came earlier this month, in a World Cup qualifying win over Latvia.

Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel could potentially hand Spence another next month with fixtures against Serbia and Albania.

Djed Spence’s career trajectory

A financial boost would undoubtedly be welcomed at the Riverside, even if there is some lingering regret over Spence’s post-Middlesbrough ascent.

The £20m they are believed to have pocketed three years ago will no doubt have been a huge help at the time, but his price tag would now be higher.

His brief return to Yorkshire, during the 2023/24 season, was arranged with the hope it would breathe life into his career.

There were glimpses of his talent at Leeds, but his loan stay was brought to an abrupt end midway through the campaign.

Djed Spence on Leeds United spell

Reflecting on his spell at Elland Road earlier this year, Spence said: “The second loan, when I went to Leeds, it was ‘the [Spurs] manager [Antonio Conte] hasn’t seen much of you, you need to go out and play and prove yourself’.

“That’s when I went to Leeds. That didn’t quite work out. Obviously, I got an injury. All the loan moves and everything, I never really settled and had the chance to play. Now I'm playing week in, week out, I feel settled.”

Newcastle United have reportedly agreed to sign Barnsley academy sensation Josh Kenchington.

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A highly-rated prospect, the 14-year-old has already played under-18s football and represented England at youth level.

EFL clubs regularly find it difficult to hold on to such precocious talents when Premier League clubs come knocking.

Barnsley now appear set to lose another talented teenager, having lost defender Oliver Wilkinson in the summer.

Newcastle United close in on Barnsley prodigy

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle have agreed to pay £350,000 as well as bonuses described as “significant”.

An initial bid of £275,000 for the ball-playing centre-back is thought to have been turned down, while Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion are all believed to have been fended off by the Magpies.

Posting on X, Downie said: “Newcastle have agreed to pay £350,000 plus significant bonuses for wonder-kid Josh Kenchington. NUFC second bid to Barnsley was accepted, after a £275,000 first offer was turned down.

“Compared to John Stones, Kenchington was playing under-18 football aged just 14. Newcastle fended off rival interest from Man United, Spurs and Brighton for his signature.

“He’s a two-footed centre-back who already stands over 6ft tall, and high hopes for the future. The teenager will sign upon clearance of Premier League family checks, and will attend school in Newcastle while also training at the academy.”

Famous footsteps to follow in

Kenchington will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of John Stones, who has established himself among England’s elite centre-backs since cutting his teeth at Oakwell.

Stones made his way into Barnsley’s senior set-up as a teenager before sealing a move to Everton in 2013. Manchester City came calling three years later and the 31-year-old has since lifted the Premier League trophy on six occasions.

Tottenham Hotspur icon Aaron Lennon is reportedly back coaching at his boyhood club Leeds United.

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The former winger is among the most successful players to have been produced by the conveyor belt of youth talent in LS11.

He made his senior debut for Leeds as a 16-year-old but was sold to Spurs two years later amid financial difficulties at Elland Road.

A decade in North London and 21 England caps followed, as did spells with Everton, Burnley and Kayserispor.

Initial spell back at Leeds United

Lennon hung up his boots in 2022 and in May 2024, appeared to back where it all started.

He was part of the coaching team as Leeds’ under-18s faced Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final, but did not end up staying in the role.

In an interview with Spurs’ media team, Lennon explained: "I did my ‘B’ coaching licence last season and started on my ‘A’. I was coaching Leeds’ under-18s last season (2023/24), which I really enjoyed.

“I decided not to do that this season though as I’m due to become a dad again any day now. We already have a three-year-old, so it’s the time to just enjoy being a dad.

"I’ve been doing some punditry as well, which I have really been enjoying. I’m looking to do more of that this season and also take up the coaching again when the time is right."

Back for a third time

According to Leeds Live, Lennon has returned to Thorp Arch to take on a coaching role in the under-18s set-up.

Many of the players in Leeds’ under-18s squad may well have watched Lennon in the Premier League as they grew up and he has a wealth of experience to pass on.

The jet-heeled wideman made over 400 appearances in England’s top flight, scoring 36 goals and registering 58 assists.

Lennon has followed Jonny Howson in becoming a former Leeds player now looking to nurture the next generation of talent at Thorp Arch. Howson took on a player-coach role in the under-21s squad in the summer following the expiry of his contract at Middlesbrough.