Hayden Hackney is emerging as one of the Championship’s most in-demand players after a stunning start to the new season, TBR Football understands.
The Middlesbrough midfielder has been watched by a host of clubs in previous years. This past summer, when many expected him to leave, the only offer that came in was from Championship rivals Ipswich Town.
Hackney rejected the chance to move to the Tractor Boys, who currently sit below the Teessiders in the second tier.
The 23-year-old instead decided to stick with Boro, and his decision is looking like a shrewd one, with interest in the Englishman mounting.
The likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Crystal Palace were amongst the clubs to check on Hackney last season, and they have retained a watching brief.
Now, TBR Football can reveal that others have joined the chase, including Fulham, Brighton and Brentford.
We can also share that Boro’s North East rivals Newcastle United have been watching his progress in recent weeks.
Last year, Portuguese giants FC Porto made offers, and they are keeping tabs on him. The likes of Atalanta, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen are also showing an interest.
Our chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, said: “As Boro mount a serious promotion challenge, Hayden Hackney is emerging as the cornerstone of their push.
“However, I am told that Boro have little intention of allowing Hackney to leave in January – last season they sold Emmanuel Latte-Lath, which Michael Carrick felt cost them the chance of promotion, and they don’t intend on doing that again.
“That said, Boro’s resolve is set to be pushed if Hackney’s form keeps up – there could be some very big offers coming in January.
“Boro do know that the only way they can keep him, however, is if they get promoted and the only way to do that is by keeping him.”