Newcastle are interested in signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, according to reports.

TBRFootball claim that the Magpies have been “watching” the 23-year-old after an impressive start to the 2025/26 season.

Hackney has played an integral role in the Teessiders’ rise to 2nd in the Championship table. Rob Edwards’ side are currently three points behind leaders Coventry City.

In the 12 games played so far, Hackney has started every match, having scored two goals and provided two assists.

Newcastle will have competition for the midfielder

TBRFootball report that Manchester United, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Fulham and Brentford have also shown an interest in Hackney.

The former England Under 21 international has suitors in Germany, Portugal and Italy as well, which means Boro are unlikely to offload him on the cheap.

In fact, it is believed that the Championship outfit are very reluctant to sanction a move during the January transfer window as they don’t want to jeopardise their challenge for promotion.

Hackney was nearly sold for £20m a few months ago

It was reported at the end of July that Ipswich Town had agreed a fee to sign the midfielder, but the move ended up stalling.

From the sound of things, Hackney was not interested in moving to another Championship club, with the Tractor Boys having just been relegated from the Premier League.

However, he is much more likely to be open to offers from Newcastle and other English top-flight teams, although Middlesbrough are expected to demand a lot more than the £20m that they were offered by Ipswich.

At the moment, Hackney has a greater chance of moving at the end of the season, rather than early in the New Year, but a lot could depend on what type of bids are received when the transfer window reopens.

Read more about the Newcastle United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here