Middlesbrough FC reaction offered to Hayden Hackney, Leeds United transfer news - 'I just feel' | OneFootball

Leeds United are closely monitoring Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Leeds United are the latest club to set their sights on Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, who has been an influential figure in his side's promotion push.

The midfielder has proven himself as one of the best players in the Championship, regularly notching goals and assists to bolster Boro's chances of a long-awaited Premier League return.

Hackney performed particularly well when Middlesbrough defeated Norwich City 1-0 last month, as his long-range goal proved to make all the difference against one of the second tier's most in-form sides.

The 23-year-old has shown enough quality this term to prove that he should be playing in the Premier League next season, even if Kim Hellberg's side don't win promotion.

Hackney's future on Teesside has, of course, been the subject of long-term speculation, but with Boro edging ever closer to stepping back into the top-flight, supporters may be resting assured at this moment in time.

Hayden Hackney told he may have better options amid Leeds United interest in Middlesbrough ace

Leeds are plotting a summer move for Hackney, who was subject to bids from fellow Premier League club Nottingham Forest in the winter transfer window.

Football League World asked our Middlesbrough fan pundit, Liam Day, if the midfielder would be tempted by a move to Leeds if Boro don't get promoted.

Day told FLW: "I definitely feel that if we don't go up, he won't be at our club. He'll be in the Premier League, there's no doubt about that. But I feel there will be bigger clubs than Leeds knocking.

"They're a side who are just going to avoid relegation this season. I know that's quite impressive for any newly promoted club, and they might kick on a bit.

"I just feel there will be more appealing options, whether that's in the Premier League. He was linked with some Bundesliga clubs. I don't know if they're still interested or not, but I certainly feel there will be more appealing options.

"If there is no other options and that's the only Premier League club, then 100% I can see it happening. I think it just depends on who's interested and if he is wanting to make the move and not sign a new contract.

"If we stay down, it doesn't seem very likely at the moment."

Hayden Hackney will be particularly eager to get Middlesbrough over the line

Middlesbrough have done incredibly well to establish serious title credentials under Hellberg, who has proven to be a more than adequate replacement for his predecessor, Rob Edwards.

The Boro squad will naturally be hungry to ensure that their side achieves automatic promotion ahead of challengers such as Coventry City, Millwall, Ipswich Town and Hull City.

Reaching the Premier League with Middlesbrough would be particularly meaningful for Hackney, who rose through the Riverside Stadium club's academy ranks before making his senior debut in the 2020/21 season.

Hackney has gone on to establish himself as a talisman for Boro, and will want to prove he can also perform in the Premier League for Hellberg's side.