How Hayden Hackney feels about leaving Middlesbrough as West Ham lurk | OneFootball

Kim Hellberg has revealed that he expects Hayden Hackney to remain a Middlesbrough player beyond the January transfer window

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has revealed that he expects star midfielder Hayden Hackney to remain at the club this month amid rumours of Premier League interest circulating.

It has been a brilliant campaign thus far for Middlesbrough, who have automatic promotion well within their sights.

The Teesside outfit stormed out of the blocks with four wins in their opening four league games, and despite previous head coach Rob Edwards jumping ship for Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club have maintained their place in the upper echelons of the table.

Swedish boss Hellberg has kept the ship steady since his arrival, and is looking to make key additions this January to give his side the best possible chance of earning that elusive promotion to the top flight.

However, it may not be an addition which could prove to be the most vital piece of business done this month, but instead keeping hold of their star assets, with nobody more valuable to the squad than Hayden Hackney.

Hackney has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for the past 18 months, and even turned down a £20 million move in the summer to Championship rivals in favour of remaining with his boyhood club.

Now, Boro fans will be breathing a great sigh of relief after Hellberg dropped a big claim in his most recent press conference.

Kim Hellberg breaking the silence on Hayden Hackney transfer saga is a huge boost for Middlesbrough

In what can only be described as excellent news for Middlesbrough fans, head coach Kim Hellberg has revealed that he expects star midfielder Hackney to remain with the club this winter.

When asked about speculation surrounding a move for Hackney, Hellberg said, "Hayden is a top player in every aspect of the game. The most impressive thing is how he is as a person.

"He could easily start thinking about other things when you get big clubs after you. He'd be able to play in a lot of Premier League teams, that's how good he is.

"If I had to decide, I would say 'not for sale', but it will not come down to me.

"I think he wants to stay. I don't think he's going anywhere.

"Hopefully he's with us this year and further on."

Indeed, should Hackney remain at Boro, their chances of achieving promotion increase exponentially.

Though only under contract until the summer of 2027, should Middlesbrough not be promoted, the upcoming summer will be their best chance to sell him for anything before his contract expires.

If they do indeed earn promotion, they will likely be able to afford him a new deal at The Riverside, which would be the best-case scenario for the club.

Middlesbrough fans will no doubt be pleased with Hellberg's latest comments and hope that they can indeed fend off interest from the Premier League this winter.

Middlesbrough will be targeting promotion this campaign, with Hayden Hackney imperative towards those efforts

FootballInsider reported that West Ham are the latest club interested in signing Hackney, although a deal this January for the Hammers appears to be highly doubtful.

The midfielder has been an ever-present in Boro's starting 11 this season, much to his importance to the side, with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also said to be interested in the 23-year-old.

TEAMtalk reported that Boro would be looking for a fee of around £30 million this month to part ways with Hackney, but even if such a bid arrived their way, they would be reluctant to sell.

The Englishman has formed an excellent partnership in midfield alongside USMNT midfielder Aiden Morris, with the pair excelling alongside one another.

If Boro are to be promoted this season, keeping Hackney in the squad is pivotal to their hopes, and with Hellberg's recent comments, the feeling that he will stay beyond this window has grown stronger, much to the delight of supporters, no doubt.