Middlesbrough could lose a key player this month amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.
Boro have had an excellent 2024 summer transfer window so far both in terms of incomings and outgoings.
Luke Ayling, Aidan Morris, Delano Burgzorg, Harley Hunt, Micah Hamiton, and Tommy Conway have all arrived through the door at the Riverside in the last couple of months.
Conway made his Middlesbrough debut versus Derby County at the weekend, while Hamilton also featured off the bench.
On the outgoings front, Boro have been keen to keep hold of all of their top stars.
Sammy Silvera, Zach Hemming, Paddy McNair, Hayden Coulson and Jamies Jones have all left on loan or permanent deals.
But when it comes to their biggest stars, Michael Carrick and co. have so far, done an excellent job maintaining their services.
Emmanuel Latte Lath was linked to Wolverhampton Wanderers recently but Middlesbrough will only sell for a fee above £20m.
Tottenham and Nottingham Forest scout Hayden Hackney
Now though, with just over a week of the summer transfer window left, Boro could be in danger of losing Hayden Hackney.
Tottenham Hotspur were linked with Hackney at the close of the 2023/24 season and their interest has not gone away.
Boro News spoke exclusively to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who revealed that Spurs and Nottingham Forest have been watching Hackney this season, while there is a ‘fear factor’ at Middlesbrough that a club may come in for him this month.
He said: “He’s proved his fitness after he got injured at the end of last season. He’s come back fit, he’s played at his normal level and I understand Tottenham have been watching him, [Nottingham] Forest have, the usual the ones who’ve been watching him for more than 12 months.
“Middlesbrough are not encouraging it, the manager does not want to sell. But there is a fear factor there that someone might come. Never say never with this Premier League, especially this window, it’s a very strange window.
“Tottenham particularly probably need another midfielder. I think it’s more than likely that he is staying but there is always a chance. Boro don’t want to sell but you are always susceptible to a big offer.”
Will Middlesbrough replace Hayden Hackney this month
Much like with Latte Lath, Boro do not want to sell Hackney but if a big enough offer comes in, it will be hard to turn down.
The 22-year-old has once again been a key figure at the Riverside in the early stages of 2024/25 and has been even more crucial after Jonny Howsn picked up an injury against Leeds United.
Should Hackney depart, it would leave a major hole at the heart of Carrick’s midfield with very little time to fill it.
However, Boro News understands that Middlesbrough would look to sign another midfielder if Hackney moves on.
But with so little time left in the window, the options available this month are expected to be limited.