Spurs Move to Hijack Everton’s Bid for Middlesbrough Star Hayden Hackney

Tottenham have approached Middlesbrough's sought-after midfield ace Hayden Hackney in a bid to beat Premier League rivals Everton to his signature, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The 23-year-old has become one of the hottest properties in the Championship after another superb campaign at the Riverside, with a string of Premier League clubs now circling ahead of what promises to be a defining summer in his career.

Everton have already held talks over a move to Merseyside and remain firmly in the hunt. 

But Spurs have now ramped up their interest and are hoping they can gazump their rivals by convincing Hackney that North London is the perfect stage for his top-flight breakthrough.

Hackney has just 12 months remaining on his Middlesbrough contract, placing the Teessiders under increasing pressure as interest in their prized asset continues to grow.

PRESSURE

The midfielder is a Middlesbrough success story. 

Having come through the club's academy ranks, he enjoyed a loan spell at Scunthorpe United before returning to establish himself as one of Boro's most influential players.

Under boss Kim Helberg, Hackney has taken his game to another level, blossoming into one of the Championship's most complete midfielders. 

His vision, composure and energy in the centre of the park were crucial to Middlesbrough's promotion charge last season.

Hackney made 41 appearances in all competitions and was deservedly voted the club's Player of the Season by supporters.

Yet the campaign ended devastatingly. Middlesbrough suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, narrowly missing out on a return to the Premier League. 

Hackney had been struggling with fitness issues and was only introduced late in the second half.

Many inside football believe Boro's fortunes may have been very different had their midfield talisman been fit enough to start, with his absence from the opening exchanges viewed as a major factor in the outcome.

AFFECTION

The disappointment of Wembley has only strengthened Hackney's desire to test himself in the Premier League.

While he retains a huge affection for the club he has represented since boyhood, there is an acceptance that the time may be right to move on in order to fulfil his enormous potential at the highest level.

Tottenham see Hackney as a player capable of becoming one of the new faces of their rebuild following a desperately disappointing campaign. 

Spurs are eager to inject youth, energy and quality into their midfield and believe the England Under-21 international fits the bill perfectly.

Manchester United and Crystal Palace are also keeping a close eye on developments, ensuring there will be no shortage of competition.

Talks are continuing with several interested clubs, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear, Hackney's days in the Championship appear numbered, and a Premier League move now looks only a matter of time.