How likely West Ham are of signing Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney | OneFootball

West Ham United are interested in Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, as well as Premier League duo Everton and Nottingham Forest

West Ham United are among the clubs who have eyed a move for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.

The talented midfielder was a class act for Boro last term, clinching the Championship Player of the Season award, but it wasn't enough to help his side win promotion to the Premier League.

Kim Hellberg's men instead lost to Hull City in the play-off final after Southampton were kicked out of the competition for spying on Middlesbrough's training session.

Meanwhile, West Ham are vying to rebuild their squad after being relegated from the Premier League despite beating Leeds United on the last day of the season.

West Ham United learn chances of signing Hayden Hackney as Everton & Nottingham Forest lurk

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Hackney displayed his class for Middlesbrough last season, scoring five goals and producing seven assists in 38 Championship appearances, so it is no surprise that he has earned plenty of external admirers.

As reported by the Northern Echo, Crystal Palace and Everton are among the clubs interested in Hackney as they vie to enjoy a successful Premier League campaign next term.

The Toffees will hope to enjoy more consistency next term, while Palace need more strength in depth as they prepare for their Europa League journey following their Conference League success.

West Ham are also interested in Hackney following their relegation to the Championship, and Nuno Espirito Santo will expect his side to land an immediate Premier League return.

However, as reported by the West Ham Way, the Hammers' chances of signing the 23-year-old have become less likely because of advances from the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest.

Forest will need to sign a new midfielder this summer if they fail to retain the services of Elliot Anderson, who appears set to start for England in the World Cup.

As per The Athletic, Manchester City and Manchester United both want to sign Anderson, who formerly represented Newcastle United before flourishing at the City Ground.

Hayden Hackney is ready for Premier League football

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It is no surprise that West Ham's chances of signing Hackney are shrinking, because the midfielder deserves to play Premier League football next season, rather than staying in the Championship.

The 23-year-old proved his attacking quality by notching 12 goal contributions in the second tier last term, while he can also excel in a deeper midfield role, protecting Boro's defence.

Hackney is a homegrown Middlesbrough talent, but the North East outfit's chances of retaining his services are looking increasingly slim following their failure to win promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since suffering relegation from the top flight back in 2017.

The former Scunthorpe United loan star surely wouldn't entertain a Boro exit to join West Ham, though, because the Hammers have been relegated to the Championship.

However, earning a move to a Premier League club like Everton, Palace, or Forest is nothing more than Hackney deserves following his stellar season in the second tier.

Replacing Hackney if and when he leaves will be a big task for Middlesbrough ahead of next term, while they will hope to launch a more successful promotion bid.