Premier League race heats up for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney amid transfer update

Premier League interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is continuing to grow as the summer transfer window edges closer, with several top-flight clubs monitoring the situation closely.

Although Middlesbrough are not believed to have received any formal bids yet, the club are fully aware that interest in their standout midfielder is building, with a number of Premier League sides expected to intensify their pursuit later this month.

Hackney, who claimed the Championship Player of the Season award and secured Middlesbrough’s Player of the Year prize for a second straight campaign, enters the final 12 months of his contract at the Riverside this summer. After rejecting a £20 million move to newly-promoted Ipswich Town last year in a bid to help Boro chase Premier League promotion, the midfielder now appears increasingly likely to depart following the club’s play-off final disappointment.

The 24-year-old looked visibly emotional at Wembley after Middlesbrough’s defeat, applauding supporters at full-time in what many interpreted as a possible farewell gesture.

Hackney played a pivotal role throughout Boro’s promotion charge and flourished particularly after the appointment of manager Kim Hellberg, whose progressive system allowed the midfielder greater freedom to dictate matches and influence attacks.

That impressive form has only strengthened Premier League attention. Ipswich remain long-term admirers, while Nottingham Forest saw a late January approach turned away. Meanwhile, clubs including Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have all previously been linked with interest.

There is also speculation surrounding a potential move to Manchester United, with former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick reportedly still holding admiration for Hackney following his return to Old Trafford. With United expected to reshape their midfield amid possible departures, Hackney’s name continues to remain firmly in the transfer conversation.