Tottenham Eyeing Move For Hayden Hackney

Tottenham are continuing to assess their midfield options in the summer transfer market, as TeamTalk reports that internal discussions have been held surrounding one potential signing.

It comes as focus has shifted firmly towards the potential arrivals in the middle of the park, after confirming three rapid-fire signings in the backline, the latest of which was a £52 million deal to land Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.

The central areas have been a problem for Spurs in recent seasons, with a lack of on-ball quality impacting the way that the team builds their attacks.

Under Roberto De Zerbi, there is an expectation that the style will change, and with it comes the need for some different profiles of player in midfield.

Talks are ongoing to sign Sandro Tonali, while Mateus Fernandes has emerged as a potential arrival. There may be a cheaper option on the radar now, however.

Given the midfield merry-go-round expected this summer, the price tag of many top stars will only shoot up in the market, meaning clubs will need to be clever with where they put their money.

With that in mind, Tottenham could look to the Championship with their next signing, as TeamTalk reports that the club have discussed a move for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney internally.

Hackney, 23, has been a standout star in the second-tier, and even won the EFL Player of the Season for his contributions towards Boro's run to the playoff final.

Defeat in that final means that Hackney now looks set for an exit in the region of £20 million, which may be viewed as a relative bargain compared to other options in the same position.

It's unclear whether Tottenham will push on for a move, as Everton and Crystal Palace have been most heavily linked with a deal for Hackney in recent weeks.

However, the report adds that West Ham ace Fernandes remains the most realistic options, while Adam Wharton and Tonali are another two stars who have been discussed internally as potential arrivals.

After a standout season in the Championship, it seems clear that Hackney is now ready to take the step-up to Premier League football.

The 23-year-old has been described as the second-tier's answer to Declan Rice, showing an ability to do just about everything in and out of possession.

The main question is whether he is ready to take such a giant leap to a team like Tottenham, or whether he needs another move in the middle before making such a switch.

Spurs have already had a bid rejected by Newcastle

Everton and Crystal Palace could be ideal first landing spots in the division, providing an opportunity to feature in the league without the same level of constant scrutiny.

Add to that the struggle for game time that Tottenham may already have, as the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Luka Vuskovic have asked to leave, and it may not be the ideal destination to grow, unless the club can guarantee minutes.