Newcastle’s move for the “exemplary” £25 million target could be hijacked by Manchester United.

The direction Newcastle United takes during the January transfer window will be interesting to watch. The club’s summer transfer window was so disappointing that Alan Shearer publicly declared that PIF’s owners had “failed” manager Eddie Howe.

The Newcastle United owners, however, have allegedly emphasised that they remain as ambitious as ever at St. James’ Park, and there have apparently been encouraging rumours regarding their future spending ability. But the January market is infamously difficult. Newcastle has mostly been quiet in it since the first wave of recruits, but they had great success in it immediately following the takeover and again in 2023 when they signed Anthony Gordon.

One player who doesn’t appear to be coming in the New Year is Hayden Hackney, a midfielder for Middlesbrough. Michael Carrick praised the 22-year-old as “exemplary” for his growth on Teesside, and he has long been linked to a move to Newcastle.

Manchester United might sabotage Newcastle’s attempt to acquire Hayden Hackney. 

In January, Boro has no plans to sell Hackney to Newcastle or even Tottenham, another purportedly interested club, according to GIVEMESPORT. They go on to say that both Newcastle and Spurs are aware that the Old Trafford giants may be a threat to their respective aspirations, and that Manchester United might be involved if the player does become available this summer. According to reports, Boro values their player at over £25 million.