Manchester United are looking to bring in a new midfielder this summer, and the door could be open for a potential signing.
Bryan Mbeumo made his first Manchester United appearance on Sunday night, starting in a 2-2 draw against Everton.
Mbeumo joined United from Brentford last month, becoming the second major attacking addition of the summer following Matheus Cunha’s move.
United continue to chase RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but other positions are on Ruben Amorim’s radar.
Reports earlier this summer suggested that United wanted to sign a midfielder on loan, following Christian Eriksen’s summer departure.
Amorim is yet to bolster his engine room, but United may look to the EFL for a new recruit.
Manchester United target Hayden Hackney snubs Ipswich Town
United have shown an interest in Hayden Hackney, with the midfielder catching the eye for Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Hackney won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with England over the summer, though his Under-21 career is now over, having turned 23 over the summer.
The midfielder hails from Redcar, just outside of Middlesbrough, and has come up through the Boro ranks.
Hackney has earned rave reviews for his ball progression in the second tier, while he has also shown the quality to carry the ball through midfield and break up play.
United are tracking Hackney’s situation and will have certainly paid attention to the latest developments about his future.
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna – a former United coach – has been attempting to bring Hackney to Portman Road, following relegation from the Premier League.
However, as reported by The Northern Echo over the weekend, Hackney rejected a move to Suffolk after holding talks with Ipswich.
The Tractor Boys were pushing to finalise a £20million deal for Hackney, but the midfielder has now said no – and has left the door open for United to pounce.
Door open for Manchester United to pounce for Hackney
It’s unclear just why Hackney has rejected Ipswich, but other clubs may fancy moving for Hackney in an attempt to lure him away.
United could be one of them, though players may need to leave in order for a £20million deal to be struck.
Hackney wouldn’t be a big-name addition to United’s engine room, but so many players have been snapped up from the EFL and impressed in the Premier League.
Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze spring to mind, slipping under United’s radar in years gone by.
United may feel that Hackney is the kind of player who can really step up to the Premier League and make an impact in Amorim’s engine room.
Higher-profile options may be on the radar, but with Manuel Ugarte failing to impress against Everton, Hackney’s Ipswich snub may make him increasingly appealing to United.
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