Premier League scouts monitoring Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney… with four of the ‘Big Six’ keeping tabs on the England U21 star ahead of a possible move next summer

• Clubs lower down the top-flight could test Middlesbrough’s resolve in January 
• It’s understood the player would prefer to remain at the club until the summer 
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Premier League scouts from both Manchester clubs, Tottenham and Liverpool are watching Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney – but with the expectation he will leave in the summer rather than January.

The 21-year-old has interest from lower down the top-flight and it is thought some clubs, such as Nottingham Forest, could test Boro’s resolve in the New Year.

However, we understand the player would prefer to remain at the Riverside Stadium until the end of the season, when offers are almost certain to arrive.

Mail Sport has been made aware of the talent-spotters in attendance at Boro matches in recent months, and Tottenham are among those most interested in Hackney. 

They were even represented during his last game at Bristol City at the end of last month, before Hackney picked up a hamstring strain from which he will return in the next seven days. Interestingly, some of those top six clubs have not watched the team during his absence.

Premier League scouts from both Manchester clubs, Tottenham and Liverpool are watching Hayden Hackney – who is expected to stay at Middlesbrough until next summer

The England U21 star has four years on his contract and Boro will command a sizeable fee

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Manchester City and Manchester United are keeping tabs, with the latter said to be more keen. Meanwhile, sources insist Liverpool’s interest could yet be the one to rival Spurs.

The England Under-21 star has four years to run on his contract and Boro will be relaxed about commanding a sizeable fee for their best young player, but there is an acceptance he will move on if they do not win promotion to the Premier League this season.

Hackney is approaching 100 career appearances and has developed into a cultured midfielder, but one who carries the ball and can hurt the opposition. 

He has starred for England this season and is on the pathway for progression into the senior ranks, having also represented Scotland at Under-21 level. It is thought the Scots have not given up hope on Hackney one day switching back to their country, for whom he qualifies to play through his Edinburgh-born mother.

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