West Ham United want Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney

West Ham United want Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney

West Ham United are one of the clubs interested in signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney in the summer transfer window, according to talkSPORT. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo wants to strengthen in the middle of the park at the London Stadium club and is desperate to keep the Hammers up. Hackney, who was named the Championship Player of the Season at the weekend, has caught his attention, but Nottingham Forest, Everton and Coventry City are also keen on his services.

The 23-year-old has five goals and seven assists in 38 Championship games so far this term, and West Ham are convinced he has what it takes to improve their ranks. They need to stay up to boost their chances of signing Hackney as he is expected to be playing in the Premier League next season. The Boro are desperate to hold on to him and will hope to pip Millwall and Ipswich Town to the other automatic promotion place. The Englishman could also have more suitors join the race for his services should Middlesbrough fail to get promoted.

Hackney has proven himself after four seasons in the division, and playing in the Premier League next term would appeal to him. West Ham could be offering him that chance but a team more established in the top-flight and not regularly fighting relegation could beat them in the race. The Hammers are desperately looking to hold on to their top-flight status heading into the final four games of the campaign.