Middlesbrough: Hayden Hackney twist emerges involving Man Utd, Spurs & Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Carrick is looking to raid his former club this summer.

Middlesbrough, like several other Championship clubs, face losing their star players having missed out on promotion to the Premier League.

Boro endured a chaotic campaign on several fronts, with managerial changes and Spygate tarnishing what was an encouraging season on Teesside.

Ultimately, Kim Hellberg's side came up just short of promotion to the top tier after falling to a late defeat in the play-off final as Oli McBurnie's stoppage-time strike sent Hull City to the summit.

Now, Middlesbrough are resigned to losing one of their star players, and it seems that their former boss, Michael Carrick, is set to play a pivotal role in bringing him to Manchester United.

Michael Carrick pushes Hayden Hackney agenda in Man United meetings

Hayden Hackney has regularly been linked with a Boro exit over the years, but after another stellar season at the Riverside Stadium, it feels like his time in the Premier League is now.

The 23-year-old was named in the Championship Team of the Season for his efforts this term despite missing the final eight games of the regular campaign through injury.

As well as his overall game, Middlesbrough's captain also stepped up his numbers by contributing five goals and eight assists in the league, his best returns in a single season.

Now, Man United are set to enter the battle for the midfielder, with Carrick championing his pursuit, according to the Northern Echo.

They report that Hackney is viewed as a long-term investment, and his former manager is understood to have pushed his claims during post-season recruitment meetings.

The publication also claims that Crystal Palace and Tottenham are expected to make formal moves for the Redcar-born ace, while Everton have also been linked with his services.

Why Carrick holds trump card to land Middlesbrough's Hackney

It goes without saying, but given Carrick's relationship with Boro and Hackney, he is certainly in the driving seat to land his former player.

United's new boss spent just over two and a half years on Teesside and oversaw the midfielder's progression from being an exciting youth prospect to the club's main man.

While the 44-year-old was sacked by Middlesbrough last summer, he still has a good relationship with the club and has always spoken about them in a positive light, which should make business easier.

Understandably, there is heaps of interest in Hackney given his ability and potential, so getting his next move right is vital for his development as a player and what better opportunity to prove yourself than at a Champions League club with your former boss.

One factor Hackney should consider is playing time, as if he were to move to Old Trafford, then he would likely have to accept significant time on the bench before getting a regular crack at first-team action.

For United, the central-midfielder would offer a cheaper option compared to some of the other options they are considering, but as it is Man United, they would probably still have to pay a premium for the Championship player.