"Blossomed" - Exclusive: Middlesbrough handed ominous Hayden Hackney claim as Everton, West Ham lurk | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has been discussing Hayden Hackney's situation at Middlesbrough ahead of the transfer deadline.

Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney has informed Boro that he would like to explore a Premier League move if an offer arrives for him before the window shuts.

A report from journalist Pete O'Rourke earlier this week revealed Hackney's transfer stance, in what would be a major blow for the Teessiders should he depart.

Middlesbrough are determined to retain his services though, and are understood to have sent a firm 'not for sale' message to would-be interested parties.

Premier League pair West Ham and Everton have both been credited with an interest in the central midfielder, and could now be encouraged to pursue a move for the Boro star before the 7pm deadline on 1 September.

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie: 'Both West Ham and Everton want Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney. Boro say he's not for sale. What's your gut feeling on this situation? Do you think he stays or goes?'

Hendrie said: "Hayden Hackney, again, another really big player that we've seen in the Championship.

"He's a young player that's blossomed at Boro, and West Ham and Everton seem really keen on taking him away from Boro.

"I think he's got potential of stepping up and playing in the Premier League. He's led by example as a young man himself, and that just shows his calibre as a player, and as a person really at Boro.

"They definitely won't want to get rid of him, and I'm sure that the closer this window gets to closing, the top performers in the Championship and young potential players, like Hayden Hackney, you do feel that some of these clubs will step in.

"I think he'd be one that I think possibly could go before this window shuts, but I'm sure that Boro are hoping not."

Middlesbrough should rebuff Hayden Hackney bids if they arrive at this stage of the window

If Middlesbrough are to finally end their Premier League exile this season, then retaining Hackney will be pivotal to their chances.

The midfield maestro has firmly established himself as one of, if not the best, players in his position in the country outside of the Premier League.

The boyhood Boro fan is a match made in heaven for Rob Edwards' high-intensity, high-pressing system, with his relentless energy and work-rate paired with his outstanding ball-carrying and progressive passing alongside his excellent sidekick, Aidan Morris, ensuring Middlesbrough seldom lose the battle for control in the middle of the park.

Indeed, it was the 23-year-old who was at the heart of both of Boro's goals in their most recent 2-1 win over Norwich City last weekend, with his ball recovery and subsequent link-up play enabling him to tee up Finn Azaz for the opener, before again helping to win the ball back before playing in Morris down the line, before the American squared to Tommy Conway for the second.

In short, Hackney is instrumental to Middlesbrough's success, and replacing him would be virtually impossible should he leave at this late stage of the window, and thanks to the aforementioned Azaz, Boro shouldn't need to sell him either.

Boro's 24-year-old attacking midfielder is finalising a £15m move to Southampton, and with the likes of Rav van den Berg and Josh Coburn also sold for handsome fees this summer, Middlesbrough should be in a healthy financial position.

Plus, Hackney is contracted on Teesside until the summer of 2027, and being a local lad and fan of the club, Boro should feel confident that his attitude and application won't nosedive should he not get his top-flight transfer wish.

If Middlesbrough do win promotion this season, then the money they'll earn from swimming in the Premier League's riches will dwarf the fee they'd obtain for having sold him this summer.

The path to rejoining English football's elite will become far more treacherous for the Teessiders if Hackney leaves before the 1 September deadline.