Hayden Hackney decision made by Manchester United

Hayden Hackney is becoming one of the most exciting Championship prospects to enter the Premier League next season.

While the midfielder failed to help Middlesbrough achieve promotion, as they lost to Hull in the play-off final, several top tier sides are keen to sign him.

Manchester United have been linked to the 23-year-old for some time, with links only growing since Michael Carrick became permanent manager at Old Trafford.

During his stint managing Middlesbrough, Carrick helped a younger Hayden Hackney grow into the side, making 104 appearances under the United manager.

However, The Athletic have now reported that while The Red Devils do like Hackney, his is much further down on their shortlist than other targets.

Manchester United and Hayden Hackney links go cold

As such, recent news that Hackney would prefer a move to Everton won’t have upset United too much, with Carrick’s side having now agreed terms to sign Atalanta’s Ederson.

With the Brazilian midfielder on his way to Old Trafford when the transfer window opens, United are now turning their attention to other targets.

It’s understood that although things have gone quiet, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is still a key name on their list, as is West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes.

However, with The Hammers now wanting at least £80 million for their star, United may turn elsewhere instead of paying the inflated fee.

For Hackney, while a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium is his prefered outcome, they aren’t the only ones from the Premier League keen on nabbing him.

Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace are also understood to be keen on the defensive midfielder, however no negotiations between Middlesbrough and any club have begun taking place.

As such, should Manchester United wish to change their mind and use the link with Carrick to lure Hackney to Old Trafford, they would need to move quick to be the first through the door.