Manchester United could turn their attention to signing a midfielder once a deal for Bryan Mbeumo is wrapped up.
Reinforcing Ruben Amorim’s attacking options was the top priority this summer and the arrival of Matheus Cunha was a strong start.
Now, Ineos are preparing a third bid for Bryan Mbeumo to hopefully make the 25-year-old the second major signing of the window.
Beyond that, United want four more signings after Mbeumo and reports claim Amorim wants an “athletic midfielder”.
With Christian Eriksen leaving as a free agent and Casemiro not getting any younger, a new midfield option is high on the shopping list.
Hayden Hackney is ‘remarkable’ option for Man Utd
Assuming that United spend big on Mbeumo and potentially on a new centre-forward, the budget for a new midfielder could be relatively small.
One option is for Ineos to target a younger player and The Athletic have named Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney as an ideal option.
Transfer expert and Middlesbrough fan Graeme Bailey has exclusively told United in Focus that United are aware of Hackney and have been impressed by his performances in the Championship.
Amorim wants more physicality in his squad next season and Hackney fits the bill. The Athletic report states: “his ability to cover ground is remarkable”.
At just 23 years old, Hackney still has plenty of time to continue his development at Old Trafford but he has made very impressive progress working under United legend Michael Carrick in recent seasons.
How much Hayden Hackney will cost Man Utd this summer
United have had their eye on several Championship players this summer, with Ineos missing out on Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund.
Chris Rigg was another Sunderland star on United’s radar, and now Hackney has emerged as a potential midfield option.
According to FootballLeagueWorld, Hackney is valued between £15-£25m this summer, making him a cheap option in midfield.
As a defensive-minded midfielder, Hackney could learn from Casemiro in the Brazilian’s final year at Old Trafford before becoming his long-term replacement in Amorim’s squad.
However, there is interest in the Boro midfielder from other Premier League clubs with United currently not leading the race.
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