Manchester United will have a list of midfield targets this summer, but Atletico Madrid and Crystal Palace appear to be stepping up interest in two options linked with moves to Old Trafford.
It cannot be denied that Manchester United are in desperate need of a midfield revamp, with Casemiro leaving at the end of the season and Manuel Ugarte searching for a new club.
Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new deal, but United must now find an adequate partner for the England international. The Red Devils will also need depth in the midfield department.
United’s list of midfield targets ranges from players who would demand a starting role if they were to move to Old Trafford and players who would help fill the squad. Interestingly, two potential options are drawing strong interest from other clubs ahead of the transfer window.
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Crystal Palace make Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney their No 1 target
Hayden Hackney has been linked to United.
The young English midfielder is also a player Michael Carrick worked closely with during his time at Middlesbrough.
It will be interesting when the transfer window opens to see if Carrick is appointed permanent head coach and whether United will launch a pursuit for Hackney, given his ability and potential.
United will need to step up their interest if they are serious about adding Hackney to the squad following a report of further interest from the Premier League, while Middlesbrough prepare for the play-offs in a bid to return to the top flight.
According to The Telegraph, Hackney has been identified as Crystal Palace’s top midfield target amid expected changes to their midfield.
The report suggests The Eagles are preparing a bid worth £12m for Hackney, which wouldn’t be out of United’s range if Ineos wanted to sign him.
Middlesbrough will likely demand more than £15m for Hackney at the end of the season, especially if they are promoted to the Premier League ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Only a year remains on Hackney’s contract at Boro. He has made 40 appearances this season, scoring six goals and registering eight assists.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Hayden Hackney has been linked to Manchester United
- Crystal Palace have made Hayden Hackney their No 1 target for the summer
- Palace are preparing a £12m bid for Hackney, but Boro will likely demand more for the midfielder’s signature
Pick your DREAM summer midfield rebuild within the reported budgets…
Who is the first name you want?
Atletico Madrid reach a full agreement with Joao Gomes over personal terms
Another Premier League midfielder linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer is Wolves’ Joao Gomes.
Gomes won’t be playing in the Championship next season, unlike some of his teammates at Wolves, but he won’t be moving to United either if he’s setting himself up for life in La Liga.
According to ESPN, Atletico Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Gomes in the summer. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claims the Spanish outfit has reached a full agreement with the player over personal terms.
This could mean that Gomes will be the next player marked off United’s list, but it was never suggested that he was high in the transfer pecking order.
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