Middlesbrough handed £15m price-tag claim for "incredible" Rob Edwards star - It isn't Hayden Hackney | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has been discussing the performances of Aidan Morris, and whether Boro may struggle to keep hold of him.

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…

Middlesbrough continue to set the early pace in the Championship, and their 'American boy' Aidan Morris has been fundamental to Rob Edwards' record-breaking start as Boro boss.

Indeed, Middlesbrough's 2-1 win over West Brom last Friday evening marked Boro's best ever start to a league campaign in the club's 149-year history, with five wins and a draw to their name after six games.

Teesside is a town buzzing about their football club once again, as after two years of play-off misses under Michael Carrick that were lined with defensive frailties and tactical stuborness provided fertile ground for dangerous levels of apathy to set in amongst the Riverside faithful.

Now though, through clever tactical tweaks, a summer of excellent recruitment, and having gone out of his way to build a connection with the Boro fans, the burning fires of belief and energy for their club have once again been reignited in the bellies of Smoggies everywhere.

"Outstanding" - Middlesbrough told of Aidan Morris' importance in Rob Edwards' team

Aidan Morris is a player that has oozed class ever since his arrival from Columbus Crew in June 2024, and has quickly cemented himself as one of the very best central midfielders in the Championship.

However, given the amount of success Boro have had churning out major profits on numerous shrewd investments in recent times, word will undoubtedly have spread across Europe that Teesside really is a hotbed for quality footballers at potentially bargain prices for big clubs at this moment in time.

As such, we asked our Middlesbrough fan pundit, Liam Day: 'If he keeps up his level of performances, do you think Middlesbrough will have a battle to keep hold of Aidan Morris as well as Hayden Hackney in January, and what kind of price-tag would you put on Morris now?'

Liam said: "I was really surprised there was no interest in the summer for him (Morris) if I'm honest with you.

"I thought he was outstanding last season, and he really does fit Rob Edwards' aggressive style of football. He doesn't stop running.

"I remember when we signed him that one of the things he was known for was that he didn't know when to stop running, and he's certainly done that this season. He just doesn't know when to stop.

"I think he really is quite incredible. He's one of the most important players in this side. I would say that along with Hayden Hackney, I'd put him up there as well. 100 per cent."

Middlesbrough handed Aidan Morris price-tag verdict - "he can go right to the top"

Is there a better central midfield partnership in the Championship than Hackney and Morris? Try telling any Middlesbrough fan there's a duo out there better than their two midfield magicians!

It may well be that Boro's very own Hackney grabs more of the headlines for his direct goal contributions, but the USA international is the metronome that keeps Middlesbrough's midfield singing.

The 23-year-old simply doesn't tire or fade from games, with his relentless energy, precision passing and expert tackling all combining to ensure he's Middlesbrough's midfield muscle car, of which his homeland is famed for producing.

Naturally then, he must be emerging on the agenda for scouts from top clubs to come and take a look at for themselves, but what kind of asking price should Boro put on his head should interested parties come knocking in January?

"The price-tag I'd be looking for at the moment? £15m, probably," Liam continued.

"But I'd say that's probably going to be going up by the end of the season.

"His contract isn't an issue (contracted until 2028). He's only getting better. On the ball he's incredible, but off it, his work-rate is just really incredible.

"I think he can go right to the top. He's a brilliant player."