Spurs step on the gas: Hackney talks opened as van Hecke chase rolls on

Tottenham’s recruitment drive isn’t just lively; it’s full throttle. With the paint barely dry on two arrivals and two more close, Spurs have now zeroed in on another target in the middle of the park — and they’re not shy about ruffling a few feathers on Merseyside to get him.

A window in overdrive

We’ve already seen Andy Robertson unveiled as the first summer pick-up on a free from Liverpool, and a deal for Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth is said to be wrapped up as another free. On top of that, Spurs are pushing hard for Savinho from Manchester City and Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke in big-money moves — a clear statement after a season where they only just kept their heads above water.

Hackney in the crosshairs — and Everton in the way

Tottenham have now opened formal talks with Middlesbrough to land Hayden Hackney, according to Sports Boom’s reporting. The 23-year-old, likened in style to Declan Rice, is entering the final year of his deal after Boro fell short of promotion. That contract clock is ticking, but Boro aren’t blinking; they’re prepared to keep him for another year even if it risks a free exit.

Everton have already sounded out a move, but Spurs sense an opportunity to turn the tide. The North London pitch? Development under the bright lights and a clear pathway into a youthful, high-energy midfield. The Toffees’ pull includes the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Tottenham believe the project under Roberto De Zerbi will win the argument. The price tag? Not nailed down, but it’s expected to be north of £20m — a fee Spurs think they can sort in the coming weeks.

Why Hackney fits De Zerbi’s blueprint

Hackney brings bite and brains — tidy on the turn, clean through the thirds, and brave enough to take the ball when the press is breathing down his neck. Slot him alongside Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, and you’ve got a midfield with legs for days and plenty of craft. Mix in Rodrigo Bentancur’s nous — and the potential arrival of Joao Palhinha’s steel — and De Zerbi would have a blend to suit every game-state, from holding a lead to hunting one down.

There’s a reason he’s being mentioned in the same breath as Rice: it’s not about being a carbon copy, but about the modern Premier League engine room — athletic, positionally shrewd, and progressive on the ball. Hackney ticks those boxes, and at 23, there’s headroom to grow.

The state of play — and what comes next

This won’t be a never-ending saga. Personal terms shouldn’t be a mountain to climb; the real dance is the fee. Still, with Spurs already knee-deep in negotiations elsewhere — not least their push for van Hecke — the expectation is that this could move quickly if Middlesbrough budge. If you’re eyeing the market whispers, the betting sites uk are already watching North London’s momentum with interest.

Bottom line: Tottenham are attempting a classic Premier League pinch — swoop in late, out-argue the competition, and get a player who fits the manager’s template. If they pull it off, Hackney could be the connective tissue that makes this revamped Spurs midfield hum.