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Fulham join Man Utd and Spurs in race for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney
Fulham have now joined the race to sign a “fantastic” £30m midfielder, who recently scored at Craven Cottage.
Marco Silva keen to strengthen this month
Marco Silva has made it clear he wants to bring in some reinforcements, although it could be more difficult to get new players through the door this month than in the summer transfer window.
Silva said: “Everything we try and do this January, we are relying on it. We [himself and Fulham Football Club] are completely aligned. For me, it’s tougher than the summer. If you sign players, they have to make an impact. Not just short term, for the long term. January is more complicated.”
Regardless, Silva’s side are sitting comfortably in mid-table, and they also secured progression to the fourth round of the FA Cup courtesy of a 3-1 victory against Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage earlier this month.
Hayden Hackney was Boro’s only goalscorer that day, and according to a report from Caught Offside, Fulham have now joined the race to sign the midfielder, who is also being targeted by the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Everton.
The Cottagers have been closely monitoring Hackney’s performances in the Championship, but they may have to shell out a relatively large fee if they choose to step up their interest, with Middlesbrough only willing to sanction a sale for £30m this month.
With Kim Hellberg’s side in the Championship promotion race, cashing-in for a lower fee would make little sense, especially considering the central midfielder has been one of their most important players this season…
Brazilian set for key meeting this week after Fulham express interest in signing him
Marco Silva’s side really want him.
Hackey could be ready for Premier League move
The 23-year-old has been a crucial player for Boro this season, taking the captain’s armband in the last ten Championship matches, and he has weighed in with four goals and six assists in 29 matches in all competitions.
Middlesbrough boss Hellberg has made it clear he is a big admirer of the Englishman too, praising his versatility: “Hayden is a fantastic player. He’s good at everything. He could play in every position there is on the pitch and do it brilliantly.”
The Redcar-born midfielder is a forward-thinking player, averaging 3.14 progressive carries per 90 over the past year, which places him in the top 1% of midfielders, while an average of 8.77 progressive carries over the same time period places him in the 96th percentile.
As such, Hackney is clearly ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, and he could be an exciting long-term signing for Fulham, so it may be worth forking out the £30m asking price.
