Leeds United plans could hinge on Southampton Spygate as £20m Hackney price cited | OneFootball

Leeds United’s transfer plans, including a possible move for Hayden Hackney, could hinge on the verdict in Southampton’s Spygate case.

According to Leeds Live, Leeds are interested in the Middlesbrough midfielder, with a £20m fee being sought. The 23-year-old is entering the final year of his contract.

Southampton have been charged by the EFL with spying on a Middlesbrough training session two days before the first leg of their play-off semi-final. A disciplinary hearing is due on or before Tuesday, and Southampton are scheduled to face Hull City in the Wembley play-off final on Saturday.

If Middlesbrough are reinstated into the play-offs, promotion would remain possible, and going up could see them keep Hackney or push for a far higher price. If the decision favours Southampton, Boro may find it harder to keep him and have less leverage on the fee, which could aid Leeds.

Leeds secured Premier League safety earlier this month and sit 14th with one game remaining after an eight-match unbeaten run since March. Daniel Farke has praised his team’s mentality and thanked supporters, describing them as the best in the country, and said the club are working to build one of the country’s best sides.

Source: Leeds Live