Leeds United plotting ambitious Middlesbrough transfer raid as 'summer priority' | OneFootball

Hayden Hackney was targeted by Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, but it's now Leeds United showing an interest in the midfielder.

Leeds United are plotting a move for a Middlesbrough star in the summer transfer window, but a deal will only be possible if the Teessiders fail to win promotion to the Premier League during the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

Boro are preparing for a top of the table clash between themselves and Coventry City on Monday evening, with Kim Hellberg's side looking to stretch their advantage over the Sky Blues to five points with a victory, with Frank Lampard's side currently winless in their last three.

Middlesbrough have found form at the most important of times, and they won their last six Championship matches. They have not dropped points since they were beaten 1-0 by Derby County on New Year's Day, and they are looking good for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17.

However, this new interest in a key player at the Riverside Stadium will be of huge concern to supporters and the club's head coach, and it is vital that they do not give Leeds any chance of securing his signature.

Leeds United plot summer move for Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney

According to Alan Nixon, the West Yorkshire outfit are looking to make a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney in the summer transfer window, but only if Boro fail to win promotion to the Premier League.

The potential transfer also relies on Leeds avoiding relegation back to the Championship, and with a six-point gap over the bottom three currently, Daniel Farke will be extremely hopeful that his side can maintain that buffer and maintain their top flight status.

The Whites have been long-term admirers of Hackney, but they are not the only club who have shown an interest in the 23-year-old. Nottingham Forest pitched an ambitious bid for the player on deadline day, but this was rejected almost instantly by the Championship league leaders.

Meanwhile, Ipswich Town have also been keen on the midfield star, but there have not been too many bids for him recently, and Leeds are keen to jump in front of a host of other teams for the signature of the Redcar-born man.

Hayden Hackney has been crucial to Middlesbrough's success this season

Hackney has been at the Riverside throughout his career, and his only spell away from the club came during the 2021/22 campaign when he spent time on loan at Scunthorpe United in League Two.

However, he has become an incredibly vital part of the furniture on Teesside recently, and Middlesbrough's rise up the table in the last few months would not have been possible without their number seven dictating play in the middle of the park.

With four goals and six assists to his name so far this season, there is no denying the attacking impact that Hackney has had on Boro and this is despite playing in both central and defensive roles for the team.