Manchester United's Battle for Hayden Hackney

According to reports, Manchester United will have to compete with three other top-six Premier League clubs for the signing of Hayden Hackney. The talented England Under-21 midfielder is expected to leave Middlesbrough in the summer.

Interest from City, Spurs, and Liverpool

Manchester United will have to fend off interest from Manchester City, Tottenham, and Liverpool, all of whom have their sights set on the defensive midfielder. Scouts from these Premier League clubs have been attending Middlesbrough matches in recent months, with Tottenham showing the most interest.

Scouts' Attendance and Hackney's Injury

Premier League scouts were present at Hackney's last game against Bristol City before he picked up a hamstring injury. Interestingly, most of the top six clubs have not watched him play during his three-game absence.

Manchester United's Keen Interest

Both Manchester United and Manchester City are closely monitoring Hayden Hackney, but United is said to be more interested. Hackney's manager at Middlesbrough is United legend Michael Carrick, who guided the team to fourth place in the Championship last year.

Contract Situation and Potential Move

Hackney signed a new four-year contract with Middlesbrough in the summer, but there is an acceptance that he may be snapped up if the team fails to win promotion to the Premier League. Manchester United's Casemiro has struggled to replicate last season's form, and Sofyan Amrabat is unlikely to secure a permanent move. Liverpool, with Wataru Endo and Thiago Alcantara both in their thirties, are also interested in the young midfielder.

Impressive Performances and National Team Experience

Hackney has made 16 league appearances and four more in the EFL Cup this season. He has also earned five caps for England's Under-21 team, playing alongside Liverpool star Harvey Elliott.

Middlesbrough's Recent Performance

Despite a good start, Middlesbrough has dropped to 12th place in the Championship, losing three of their last five matches. However, the team remains six points away from the playoff spots.