Middlesbrough ready new Hayden Hackney demand that Aston Villa will be familiar with | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are expected to add a large sell-on clause to any Hayden Hackney exit this summer

Middlesbrough will be gearing up for plenty of interest in Hayden Hackney this summer, after their academy product won the Championship Player of the Year.

The 23-year-old was integral to Boro's success through three quarters of the campaign under both Rob Edwards and then Kim Hellberg, netting five times and assisting eight in 38 second-tier outings.

It was no coincidence that Middlesbrough's automatic promotion race got derailed after he picked up a groin injury. Boro won just two of their final eight league games, and were defeated over two legs by Southampton in the play-off semi-finals without him in the squad.

Despite being afforded a second chance at promotion due to the Saints' expulsion for spying, Boro were unable to beat Hull City in the play-off final and will thus begin their ninth consecutive Championship campaign in August. But, with one year remaining on Hackney's contract, will they begin it with him at the heart of their midfield?

Numerous Premier League sides are set to be in the race for Hackney, but Middlesbrough aren't going to allow his contract situation to let him go for less than they feel he's worth.

Middlesbrough outline fresh Hayden Hackney transfer demands

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Everton have been heavily reported to be the frontrunners in the Hackney race this summer, but are expected to face stiff competition from the likes of Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and other Premier League sides.

But, despite all that interest from the top-flight, Middlesbrough still hold all the cards in negotiations, and are set to stand their ground and keep hold of their star midfielder unless their valuation is met.

According to the i, Boro are hopeful that they can recoup between £20-£25 million for his services, and they're also angling for a similar sell-on clause that they negotiated with Aston Villa in the sale of Morgan Rogers in January 2024.

That deal saw Middlesbrough owed 20% of a future Rogers fee, and with the exciting attacking midfielder being linked with a £100 million move to Arsenal this summer, it could see a world record windfall come to the Riverside, which would be more than the £16 million they initially got for his services when he moved to Villa Park.

With the number of clubs said to be interested in Hackney, Boro could easily create a bidding war this summer for the reigning Championship Player of the Season. With their demands clearly laid out, it would be down to who is willing to give Steve Gibson and co what they want, else they may just allow him to see out his contract at the Riverside.

Large sell-on clause would ensure further financial benefits in Hayden Hackney sale

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Hackney is being touted as one of the top English midfield prospects ahead of next season, with the i report adding that recruiters believe that the 23-year-old could find himself in the national team setup for the first time in a couple of years.

If the Boro man does join Everton and then realises that potential, it may only be a couple of years before one of England's elite registers interest, like Arsenal have done with Rogers this summer.

And, if a similar fee is touted from the Toffees as and when Hackney moves on, Middlesbrough would be in line for yet another good payday, and one that would take the overall sale for the 23-year-old to potentially around £35-£40 million.

For someone with just one year left on their deal, it would resemble a brilliant bit of business as and when a future move occurs.

With Middlesbrough willing to hold out until their valuation is met, a Hackney sale will clearly only occur if it's in the best interests of the higher-ups at the Riverside. If it does, it can be guaranteed that Boro received value for one of their brightest prospects to come out of Rockliffe Park.