Tottenham are planning to beat Everton to the signing of highly-rated Championship talent.
Tottenham Hotspur have moved quickly to improve their defence, and they have done so without breaking the bank, securing the signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers.
Adding another centre-back remains on Roberto De Zerbi’s agenda, with Spurs in talks with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke. With Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin expected to depart, it is no surprise that the Lilywhites have set out to strengthen their defence as a priority, but they are also keen on improving their midfield unit.
Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are all currently at De Zerbi’s disposal. However, with Bissouma set to be released at the end of June, Palhinha’s future up in the air and Bentancur in line to turn 29 later this month, Spurs remain keen on adding to their midfield department.
Tottenham approach Middlesbrough for Hayden Hackney
Recent reports suggested that Everton have become the frontrunners to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. Following Middlesbrough’s loss in the Championship promotion playoffs final, the Englishman looked distraught at Wembley Stadium. After working so hard to help his team reach the playoff final, Hull City edged Middlesbrough 1-0 in May and secured a move back to the Premier League.
However, it hasn’t closed the Premier League door for Hayden Hackney. He is too good to be playing in the Championship, and several top-flight clubs have identified him as an option to boost their squads. Everton holds a strong appeal compared to other suitors, but a twist has now emerged in the race to sign the English midfielder.
According to an exclusive report from SportsBoom, Tottenham have approached Middlesbrough in a bid to hijack Everton’s move for Hackney. The 23-year-old, who has been compared to Arsenal star Declan Rice, is expected to depart his boyhood club this summer. The Redcar-born talent is on the verge of entering the final 12 months of his contract, and Boro will loathe to lose him on a free transfer in the summer of 2027.
🚨🚨Touch Down : Tottenham Hotspur have been handed fresh encouragement in their pursuit of Hayden Hackney, with developments surrounding the Middlesbrough midfielder reigniting hopes of a summer move. However, Spurs face a race against time, with rival clubs monitoring the… pic.twitter.com/CyIx6LSkTX
— SPURSCORNER (@SPURSCORNE9f) June 7, 2026
One of the highly-rated talents in the Championship, Hackney enjoyed another strong season at the Riverside Stadium. He made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and supplying assists, and was voted the club’s Player of the Season by supporters. However, it looks like the time has come for the former England Under-21 international to move on from the Teesiders and build his career in the Premier League.
Hackney’s ability to operate between the lines, pick passes, and contribute both defensively and in transition fits the profile of a central midfielder that De Zerbi demands within his system. The Boro star would represent considerably better value than permanently signing Palhinha, who will turn 31 in July. That said, it’ll be interesting to see whether our club manages to gazump Everton to the signing of Hackney.