Middlesbrough will be expecting a lot of interest in Hayden Hackney this summer, after the academy product won Championship Player of the Year.

The 23-year-old was crucial to Boro’s success for three-quarters of the season under Rob Edwards and later Kim Hellberg, scoring five goals and assisting eight in 38 second-tier appearances.

It was no coincidence that Middlesbrough’s automatic promotion bid was thwarted after he had a groyne injury. Borough won only two of their final eight league games, and were eliminated in two legs by Southampton in the play-off semi-finals without him.

Despite being given a second opportunity at promotion following the Saints’ expulsion for spying, Borough were unable to defeat Hull City in the play-off final, and will thus begin their ninth consecutive Championship season in August. But, with one year remaining on Hackney’s deal, will they start with him at the heart of their midfield?

Several Premier League clubs are interested in Hackney, but Middlesbrough will not allow him to leave for less than they believe he is worth due to his contract predicament.

Middlesbrough outlines new Hayden Hackney transfer demands.

Everton have been widely reported as the frontrunners in the Hackney race this summer, although they are set to face heavy competition from Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and other Premier League clubs.

Despite all of the attention from the top tier, Middlesbrough still holds all of the cards in discussions, and they want to remain firm and keep their star player unless their valuation is fulfilled.

According to the i, Borough expect to collect between £20-£25 million for his services, and they’re also looking for a similar sell-on clause to the one they negotiated with Aston Villa in the sale of Morgan Rogers in January 2024.

Middlesbrough was owed 20% of a future Rogers fee as part of that deal, and with the exciting attacking midfielder linked with a £100 million move to Arsenal this summer, the Riverside could receive a world record windfall, surpassing the £16 million they received for his services when he moved to Villa Park.

With so many clubs reportedly interested in Hackney, Borough might spark a bidding war this summer for the reigning Championship Player of the Season. With their demands clearly stated, it would be up to anyone is ready to offer Steve Gibson and co what they want; otherwise, they may simply let him to finish out his term at the Riverside.

Large sell-on provision would secure additional financial gains in the Hayden Hackney sale.

Hackney is regarded as one of the top English midfield prospects for the upcoming season, with recruiters believing that the 23-year-old might make his national team debut for the first time in several years.

If the Borough man joins Everton and achieves his potential, it may only be a few years before one of England’s top expresses interest, like Arsenal did with Rogers this summer.

And, if the Toffees provide a similar sum when Hackney leaves, Middlesbrough will be in line for another hefty payday, bringing the 23-year-old’s total sale value to roughly £35-£40 million.

For someone with only one year left on their contract, it would appear to be a fantastic bit of business if and when a future relocation occurs.

With Middlesbrough ready to wait until their valuation is satisfied, a Hackney sale will clearly only go place if it benefits the Riverside’s upper management. If it does, it is guaranteed that Borough received value for one of their best prospects to come out of Rockliffe Park.