Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards has provided an update over the future of Hayden Hackney.
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Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham have been sent an enticing ‘come and get him’ message by Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards over the future of in-demand midfielder Hayden Hackney.
Boro romped to a 3-0 victory away from home at Millwall on Saturday, with the 23-year-old opening the scoring after 49 minutes. Hackney continues to play and impress for the Championship side even as rumours swirl over his future.
Hackney picked up five goals and three assists for Middlesbrough last season and went on to turn heads with the England under-21 side this summer as they tasted Euros triumph. Hackney is a product of the Boro academy and has never left the club, apart from a brief loan stay at Scunthorpe United.
Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham linked with Middlesbrough midfielder
It had been widely reported that Ipswich Town had seen a £20 million bid for Hackney accepted by Boro but that move has not gone through with the player supposedly biding his time for a potential Premier League suitor.
Tottenham Hotspur had been named as frontrunners by GiveMeSport with West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham all reported as interested outfits by Sky Sports in July. Hackney is believed to be wanting a promise of first team game time when it comes to choosing his next venture.
Speaking after the player impressed against Boro, Rob Edwards insisted that he was happy at the club but teased that the club remains open to a sale. He said: “I’ve said it before, it’s win-win either way. But I’m not really thinking about it right now. I see him as being here and a big part of this group. It’s win-win either way. His performance today was excellent and he got the goal. I think he loves this club.”
Hackney turns in ‘excellent’ performance against Millwall
In relation to his performance against Millwall, Edwards said: “I thought Hayden was excellent today. Loads of energy, loads of quality and a real desire and passion. He won a lot of duels and his running was really good. That’s the best he’s looked for us since coming back from his success over the summer with the national team.
“He’s a winner and he’s proven that, being part of a really successful team. You can see it out there, he loves the club. He’s been extremely professional throughout and he loves the club. I couldn’t be happier with him. The way I see things right now, he’s here with us and that’s all there is to it right now.
“He loves the place, and I think his performance showed that. It’s been hard for him over these last couple of weeks. I’ll always check in with him, but players will quite often just give you the ‘I’m alright Rob’, because they don’t want to tell me the truth. So I’m constantly checking in with him because he’s had a lot going on. I think what I, and everyone, has got to do is judge him on performances. His work ethic and desire was all there for everyone to see today.”
In other news, Tottenham dealt fresh £55m transfer blow by Premier League rival.