Middlesbrough warned of 'big blow' as West Ham plot strategic move | OneFootball

West Ham United have set their sights on Middlesbrough Head of Football Kieran Scott

West Ham United have eyed a move for one of Middlesbrough's key figures following their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.

The Hammers beat Leeds United 3-0 on the final day of the top-flight season, but it wasn't enough to avoid the drop, because Tottenham Hotspur beat Everton 1-0.

Meanwhile, Boro were defeated 1-0 by Hull City in the Championship play-off final, courtesy of Oli McBurnie's late winner at Wembley Stadium.

Middlesbrough were handed an opportunity to reach next season's Premier League because Southampton were kicked out of the play-offs, but the North East side must now prepare for life in the second tier once again.

Middlesbrough verdict given as West Ham United plot swoop for key board member

Boro's failure to win promotion to the Premier League has left them more susceptible to losing star players such as Hayden Hackney.

Meanwhile, according to Graeme Bailey on X, West Ham have eyed a move for Middlesbrough's Head of Football, Kieran Scott, as they look to rebuild in the Championship.

Football League World asked our Boro fan pundit, Liam Day, for his thoughts on potentially losing Scott and whether it would be a big blow.

Day told FLW: "I'm definitely one of the Boro fans that can appreciate what Kieran Scott's done for the club. He's brought in an identity on how he wants to recruit players and a system of getting younger players making profit.

"Whilst I do think it's more effective for a Premier League club, you can look at what Bournemouth and Brighton have done, you do need to get there first.

"It depends how we replace him, because I'd assume we would go and get another Director of Football in. Obviously, recruitment plays a big part, and Boro want a certain calibre of player. A player that wants to play in a certain way

"Whilst I don't think the last two windows were too successful, I think you look at the overall job he's done. He's definitely improved the club. I don't think anyone can deny that.

"I think it would be a big blow, depending on who we get in to replace (him). I think we are an attractive club, so hopefully we could get another decent enough Director of Football in.

"But I think it'd be a big blow to us personally."

Kieran Scott exit could hamper Boro ahead of fresh promotion push

Perhaps the most damaging aspect of Middlesbrough's Championship play-off final defeat is that they could lose key members of their playing squad ahead of next term.

According to The Athletic, Manchester United are among the clubs interested in Hackney, who has been a key asset for Boro this term, winning the official Championship Player of the Season award.

Losing such a talented midfielder, who notched five goals and seven assists in 38 second-tier appearances this season, would heavily dent Middlesbrough's chances of launching a more serious promotion bid next term.

Recruiting a worthy replacement for the 23-year-old is a big task in itself, while such matters would only become more difficult if Scott joins West Ham.