Leeds United are currently eyeing a summer move for the “absolutely sensational” midfielder, who is represented by the same agent as Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds are eyeing a new midfielder despite Ampadu’s impression
Jamie Carragher recently waxed lyrical about Ethan Ampadu, praising the Welshman for his consistency all season after the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
A Sky Sports pundit said: “Ethan Ampadu, every time I watch him play, I’m impressed with that player. He’s one of my favorite players to watch in the Premier League this season, definitely a midfield player. Every time I watch him play, his game wasn’t bad at all.”
In fact, Ampadu has played more time in the Premier League than any other member of the team this season, playing in the center of midfield alongside the likes of Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka, with Daniel Farke making for a very well-stocked midfield.
So, unless Tanaka leaves, there may not be an urgent need to bring in a new midfielder this summer, but there are question marks over the Japan international’s future, with Manchester United also mentioned as a candidate.
However, the Whites are keen to strengthen their central position and have also made an offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomez, but this was ultimately rejected and they are now looking at alternatives.
Leeds plan to sign Hayden Hackney
The race for Hayden Hackney’s signature is starting to heat up in the summer, with Leeds, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest all keen on the Middlesbrough star, according to journalist Alan Nixon (via Football League World).
Middlesbrough hope to receive at least £20m as a talisman for his outstanding season in which he scored five goals and provided eight assists in 38 Championship games during the regular season, before winning the second-tier Player of the Year award.
Hackney’s contract expires at the end of next season, which weakens Middlesbrough’s negotiating position slightly, but owner Steve Gibson may consider holding off on the sale until January next year if the offer is not met.
Hailed as “absolutely sensational” by reporter Scott Wilson, the 23-year-old, who shares the same agent as Calvert-Lewin, looks well-prepared to make the step up to the Premier League, with an average FotMob match rating of 7.64, by far the highest in the Championship.
The Englishman is particularly adept at moving the ball forward, averaging 1.5 successful dribbles per 90 in the second tier, more than any other Boro player, and ranks third with an average of 1.8 successful tackles per 90.
A balanced midfielder, Hackney could be a great addition to Farke’s side.
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