Leeds United are now eyeing a summer move for an “absolutely sensational” midfielder, who is represented by the same agent as Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds eyeing new midfielder despite Ampadu impressing
Jamie Carragher recently waxed lyrical about Ethan Ampadu, praising the Welshman for his consistency throughout the season after the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “Ethan Ampadu, every time I watch him play I’m impressed by that lad. He’s been one of my favourite players, certainly midfield players, to watch in the Premier League this season. Every time I watch him, he doesn’t have a bad game.”
Indeed, Ampadu has played more minutes in the Premier League than any other member of the squad this season, featuring alongside the likes of Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka in central midfield, with Daniel Farke very well-stocked in the middle of the park.
As such, there may not be a pressing need to bring in a new midfielder this summer, unless Tanaka leaves, and there have been some question marks surrounding the Japan international’s future, with Manchester United even being named as potential suitors.
However, the Whites remain keen on reinforcements in the middle of the park, even making an offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes, which was ultimately knocked back, and they have now set their sights on an alternative.
Leeds plotting move for Hayden Hackney
According to journalist Alan Nixon (via Football League World), the race for Hayden Hackney‘s signature is starting to heat up ahead of the summer, with Leeds, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest all keen on the Middlesbrough star.
Middlesbrough are hoping to receive at least £20m for their talisman, off the back of an outstanding campaign, picking up five goals and eight assists in 38 Championship matches during the regular season, subsequently earning the second tier’s player of the season award.
Hackney’s contract expires at the end of next season, which weakens Middlesbrough’s negotiating position somewhat, but owner Steve Gibson may consider holding out on a sale until next January if his asking price isn’t met.
Lauded as “absolutely sensational” by reporter Scott Wilson, the 23-year-old, who has the same agent as Calvert-Lewin, appears to be more than ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, having averaged a 7.64 FotMob match rating, by far the highest in the Championship.
The Englishman is particularly adept at driving the ball forward, averaging 1.5 successful dribbles per 90 in the second tier, which is more than any other Boro player, while an average of 1.8 tackles per 90 ranks him in third place.
A well-rounded midfielder, Hackney, could be an excellent addition to Farke’s squad.
Read next: Leeds handed opportunity to sign Burnley star this summer
Related
Leeds offered summer deal for Burnley star as agents make constant phone calls
The Whites could sign him for a cheap fee.