The reality of summer transfer rumors is that for every solid rumor from a David Ornstein you get, there are multiple others out there that are substantially more ephemeral. Like this one, from the Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson, that finally gives a direct link between Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough midfielder and “passy boi” Hayden Hackney.
Unfortunately, the article itself is almost entirely about Manchester United’s pursuit of Hackney, but it did give us this little tidbit several paragraphs
in:
Crystal Palace and Tottenham are expected to make formal moves for Hackney, with the former having lined up the England Under-21 international as a potential replacement for Adam Wharton, whose future at Selhurst Park is uncertain.
Everton have also been linked with Hackney, but Manchester United will be confident of beating off competition from any of their Premier League rivals if, as looks increasingly likely, they make a move of their own.
Yeah, there’s not much THERE there, if you know what I mean, but it does suggest that Spurs at least have the 23-year-old Hackney on a summer transfer list somewhere, and that’s promising. Hackney was one of the high volume passing midfielders that Spurs could’ve purchased last season for £15m and that likely would’ve been quite useful, but alas that ship has sailed and if Tottenham are serious about Hackney they’ll almost certainly have to pay a lot more money for him, assuming Middlesbrough sell him at all.
Honestly, I’d be much much more interested in buying Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, for whom Wilson suggests Hackney would be a replacement. Regional papers like the Northern Echo usually have the goods for players from smaller clubs and I’m much more inclined to believe reporting from reporters on the ground like Wilson, but even this feels a little nebulous. But hey — that’s Bat Country for you.
It’s at least comforting that Spurs are apparently looking at improving their midfield passing under Roberto De Zerbi.
