United poised to sign Championship gem as club gives special midfielder “green light” to seal transfer – report

Middlesbrough are reportedly prepared to part ways with Hayden Hackney amid interest from Manchester United.

INEOS are willing to spend around £120 million to land both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. However, United are not in the financial position to make high-profile signings for every position, especially after missing out on European football.

Further, it has been widely reported that the club’s new recruitment strategy is adding up-and-coming talents to their ranks. And that is exactly the approach the Red Devils could take to fix their midfield issues.

United missed out on Adam Wharton, who left Blackburn Rovers for Crystal Palace in 2024. The Englishman is now considered one of Premier League’s most exciting midfielders and Palace are likely to price him out of any move this summer.

However, the Mancunians may be handed a golden opportunity to sign another Championship gem, who has the potential to replicate Wharton’s exploits.

According to Givemesport, Middlesbrough have given Hackney, who is on United’s radar, the “green light to seal a move away from Teesside.”

Amorim is understood to be one of Hackney’s admirers and now he has been “given hope of being able to lure” him to Old Trafford by Boro.

The 22-year-old is tied to Middlesbrough until the summer of 2027 but they are ready to allow him to “embark on a fresh challenge” after failing to secure Premier League promotion.

The same also led to the sacking of ex-United midfielder Michael Carrick.

It has been previously reported that the technically proficient midfielder is valued at £20million.

But Givemesport claim Middlesbrough will use Hackney’s display in the European Under-21 Championship this summer to determine his price tag. Still, it is fair to assume the final fee is unlikely to skyrocket from the reported figure.

The defensive midfielder is an excellent passer who frequently looks to find his teammates in the final third. The arrival of a progressive player like him would allow Amorim to use Bruno Fernandes higher up the field.

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