Alan Nixon states on his Patreon that Leeds United have identified Hayden Hackney as a priority target for the next window, and that a move is conditional on the club avoiding relegation. The report adds that Middlesbrough will request a very high fee but that Leeds United are willing to pay such a fee.

Leeds United are one of the clubs interested in signing Hayden Hackney, a 23-year-old central midfielder from Middlesbrough. Sports Boom states that Leeds were interested in the player in the January window and might return for him in the summer. The club is reported to view Hackney as a potential future captain, and his cost could be around £30-£35 million. The chance to move to the Premier League is described as exciting for Hackney, who will seek to test himself at the highest level. However, a potential move depends on Leeds securing their Premier League safety, because the player would not want to join a Championship club. In recent months, Hackney has also been linked with several other clubs. The English midfielder has 13 caps and one goal for the England U21 team and is contracted to Middlesbrough until June 2027. In the Championship this season, he has made 30 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €25 million. It was reported that in August 2025, Middlesbrough accepted a £20 million bid from Ipswich Town, but Hackney rejected the move.